Budget Breakfasts for Kids
We all know that kids who start the day off with breakfast do better in school, eat healthier overall and are more likely to participate in physical activities. None of us want to send our wee ones off to school on an empty stomach. Cereal prices are skyrocketing and the frozen food breakfast goods are sharing the same sticker shock.
Our kids love frozen toaster waffles and pancakes, but at $3.00+ a box and three children, the costs quickly add up.
The solution? Make your own batch of toaster-ready pancakes and store in the refrigerator. Our favorite is Bisquick at $2.69 for the 32oz. box on sale. At Costco, you can buy the larger box for much less cost per ounce. Be sure and get the mix that requires eggs and milk as they tend to store better.
Simply follow the instructions on the box being sure to make the pancakes no larger than what will fit in the toaster slot. Take the ‘cakes off the griddle and place in a large casserole dish. Let the batch of pancakes cool before covering with plastic wrap and storing in the refrigerator. Otherwise the “sweat” will make the ‘cakes soggy.
When breakfast time rolls around just pop the pancakes in the toaster for a quick, easy and budget-wise breakfast. Top with syrup, butter or the healthier alternative - applesauce.
Comment by Manicmom on 11 June 2008:
Great idea! If you have a waffle maker, you can do a similar thing. Make the waffles, cool, and then pop them in a heavy-duty plastic bag and put them in the freezer. Takes a bit longer to toast them, but they are much better than the ones you get at the store!
Comment by Pancake Dad on 11 June 2008:
Waffles work too, but cleaning up that iron is a major pain. Pancakes are the easier way to go…
Comment by Breakfast Nut on 11 June 2008:
Another great easy make-ahead inexpensive breakfast which is quite healthful is steel-cut oatmeal. You can do one of two things - make it in the slow-cooker overnight so it’s ready when you get up in the morning (and boy does it smell good!) or make up a batch on weekends and eat it through the week. Add dried fruit and/or nuts as it cooks for quite a taste treat!
Comment by MsSpend on 17 June 2008:
How expensive are batches of granola to make? Seems to me that might be another good one to store in bulk for the kids.