. . . two easy whole grain breakfasts in 5 minutes

Cereal.2

Perfect for busy school days, these easy recipes. . .

Grains

. . . combine ancient grains and chia seeds . . .

Measure

. . . with a little "while you sleep" prep time. . .

Mix

. . . to make. . .

Fruit

. . . healthy and delicious. . .

Freekeh

. . . five minute breakfasts in the morning.

Ginger Cream Freekeh Breakfast Bowl ~ Serves 2

Ingredients:

1/2 cup freekeh
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup half and half or whole milk
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
1/2 crisp slightly tart apple cubed
1/4 cup toasted pecans chopped
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Do ahead: Rinse the grains a couple of times and add to a sauce pan along with the water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until the water has been absorbed, about 40 min (the perfect time to put the kids to bed or to read a few pages of your favorite book). Store in a covered container in the fridge (you could even make enough for the whole week so you only have to do this step once).

In the morning: Pour the milk or cream into a small saucepan and add the ginger. Heat over a medium low flame stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until the ginger flavor comes out. Whisk in honey and add the grains. Cook for 2 minutes longer or until the grains are heated through. Divide between two bowls and add your fruit and nuts.

Simple Coconut Chia Breakfast Pudding ~ Serves 2

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup light coconut milk (if you're not a fan you could also use almond milk)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Honey (optional, I like to leave this out and add my sweetness on top)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tablespoons dried cherries
1/2 crisp slightly tart apple cubed

Do ahead: In a jar (divide the ingredients between two jars for personal servings) add the coconut milk, vanilla and chia. If you prefer a little sweetness in the pudding itself, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. Once the lid is secured shake to combine. Place in the fridge overnight (or at least 2-3 hours).

In the morning, separate into two bowls (or just open the two jars if you made it that way) and add the fruit and coconut flakes.

With the Kids:

Invite the kids to help you wash the freekeh and pick the pomegranate seeds out of the fruit.

Ask them to shake the jars of chia pudding to mix them up.

If you made individual jar servings of chia, invite the kids to make their own paper labels or decorate their jars with permanent markers.

In the morning ask them to help you cut up the fruit and add a little fraction practice to the mix by asking for specific amounts like 1/4 or 1/3 or 1/2.