"MOM, Dad, what's for breakfast?"

Who hasn't found themselves in this situation? The kids are starving, and you haven't a clue as to what to put in their little tanks to fill them up for the day ahead.

Whether it's 7 am or 7 pm, it's the age old question. "What are we having for _______?" Breakfast? Dinner? You can fill in the blank. Sometimes, I have as much trouble coming up with something unique for breakfast as I do for dinner. And color me guilty, but we have pretty well made it acceptable for our girls to consider it boring to have cereal for breakfast every morning.

In my case, my husband actually does a really great job of taking over most mornings. Ever the morning person (grrrr....), he's the first one up just about every day of the week at our house and, therefore, the first person to be thinking about breakfast. So, that has pretty much landed him in the position of chief, cook and bottle washer of the morning routine. Don't throw rocks at me, please. Yes, I know I am lucky. Yes, I know that he's a saint. And yes, I do many other things for our family.

Anyway, here are some of our family's favorite breakfast offerings to keep the monotony of cold cereal from ganging up on you!

1. The Princess in Waiting Special - My eldest daughter adapted this one out of one of her magazines (I am truly not sure which one but probably Teen Vogue or Cosmo Girl). Take a toasted Eggo (We prefer the Whole Grain variety, either cinnamon or regular.), spread it lightly with peanut butter, and cover it with thinly sliced apples. Eat it like a bagel (whole). Yum-oh.
2. The Teen in Line Special - a fruit smoothie; I know this isn't anything someone hasn't thought of before, but we constantly have to remind ourselves to serve these. They really are quick to prepare; they're healthy, and they're very satisfying. We generally use whatever flavor of yogurt we have on hand, frozen berries, a little OJ and a ripe banana. Sometimes, I add in a little soy milk.
3. The Princess Peg Special - My very favorite cereal comes from Aldi - yes, Aldi. It's their cranberry and nut variety. I like to add a sliced fresh peach to it in the summer. I am not kidding. It's a little bit of heaven and extremely healthy. This time of year, try adding extra cranberries or dried cherries. Not as good as the peaches, but still a favorite. If you don't have Aldi (first off, I'm sorry for you...), you can try the similar version from Post in the cereal aisle at your regular grocer.
4. The Big Strong Man Special - Fluffines - Yes, I said Fluffines. And yes, my BSM really did make these up one day in a fit of non-conformity, and I love him all the more for it! Take Saltine crackers and spread one with peanut butter and one with marshmallow fluff. Put them together. Voila! You have a Fluffine. Now, I know this one isn't as healthy as the other three, but let's face it. Neither are biscuits, and everyone serves those now and then, right?

We also do oatmeal, biscuits, waffles, Pop Tarts and the occasional (and terribly unhealthy) Toaster Scramble. However, I think the ones above represent a little departure from the norm. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! I'd love to hear about some of your favorite quick breakfast offerings.