Elevating Back-to-School Breakfast with Ease and Nutrition

As the new school year approaches, busy parents like Liz face the daily challenge of providing their children with nourishing morning meals that set them up for success. In this episode of Dinner SOS, test kitchen director and host Chris Morocco teams up with cookbook author Ali Slagle to offer Liz practical and delicious solutions to conquer the breakfast routine and start her kids' days off right.

Breakfast Bliss: Fueling Kids for the Day Ahead

Turning Liz's Passion for Cooking into Morning Magic

Liz's love for cookbooks and her ambitious goal of trying a hundred new recipes every year have provided her family with a wealth of culinary experiences. However, as the new school year approaches, she finds herself dreading the breakfast routine. With three kids to feed and prepare for the day, Liz seeks inspiration to streamline the morning hustle while ensuring her children start their days with balanced, energizing meals.

Ali Slagle's Granola Scones: A Wholesome Bakery-Inspired Delight

To address Liz's breakfast dilemma, Chris recruits cookbook author Ali Slagle, whose recipes Liz already enjoys. Ali suggests an innovative solution: Granola Scones. These baked treats, packed with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, satisfy the craving for a morning pastry while providing long-lasting energy. The best part? Granola Scones can be made ahead, frozen, and quickly defrosted, making them a convenient and nourishing option for busy mornings.

Smoothies: Blending Nutrition and Convenience

In addition to the Granola Scones, Ali recommends smoothies as another quick and nutritious breakfast option. Smoothies are both filling and packed with essential nutrients, and Ali shares two inspiring recipes as jumping-off points. One features almonds, kale, and banana, while the other combines blueberries, dates, and cocoa. By leveraging frozen fruits like bananas and mango chunks, Liz can easily assemble these smoothies in a matter of minutes, ensuring her kids start the day with a nutrient-dense boost.

Putting it All Together: Liz's Path to Back-to-School Breakfast Success

With Ali's expert guidance and Chris' support, Liz now has a arsenal of breakfast solutions that not only fit her busy lifestyle but also provide her children with the nourishment they need to thrive. By incorporating the make-ahead Granola Scones and customizable smoothies into her morning routine, Liz can conquer the back-to-school breakfast challenge and empower her kids to begin each day with a delicious and wholesome meal.