A delightful alternative to hot cereal, this savory cornbread is a whole grain treat. Be sure to use 100 percent stone-ground cornmeal for the best texture, flavor, and nutrition.
Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 15 minutes
3 tablespoons canola oil
¼ cup finely chopped scallions, all parts
¼ cup finely chopped bell pepper, any color
2 slices (2 ounces) finely chopped Canadian bacon
1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg
11⁄3 cups buttermilk
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Heat the oil in a 9" heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the scallions, bell pepper, and bacon. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, or until the scallions are wilted. Remove from the heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a fork or pastry blender to mix. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Add the egg and the buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Stir just until no dry ingredients are visible. Add the skillet mixture to the bowl. Stir to mix. Pour the batter into the skillet.
3. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm, cut into wedges.
MAKES 8 SERVINGS
Per serving: 174 calories, 21 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 8 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 33 mg cholesterol, 483 mg sodium, 2 g fiber
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
NOTE: Any extra wedges can be frozen individually. Reheat in a toaster oven.
Who decided that breakfast can only be cereal, pancakes, and eggs? With these nutritious and filling options for daybreak meals, you can be a morning maverick.
“Refried” Bean Quesadillas. With the “Refried” Beans ready-made in the refrigerator or freezer, this stuffed flatbread takes just minutes. The lean protein filling will stick with you until snacktime.
Green Split Pea Soup. Pack and freeze in single-size servings. It’s warm and satisfying, particularly when the weather’s cold or wet.
Easy Couscous Salad. Pretend you’re breakfasting on a Greek isle with a leftover serving of this whole grain, chickpea, and feta cheese combo. It’s a refreshing way to start the day in warm weather.
Portobello Mushroom Barley. Think barley in place of oats and mushrooms instead of fruit, and you have the makings of a breakfast that’s far from ho-hum.
Provençal Lentil Ragout. Prepare a batch of this tasty legume stew to freeze in single-size servings to reheat in the microwave. Top with a dollop of fat-free plain yogurt.
Black Bean Patties. When you don’t have time to sit down to a proper breakfast, microwave a frozen Black Bean Patty and head out the door armed with a lean protein, saturated-fat-free, complex-carb meal-on-the-go.
Broccoli Pizza. As any college sophomore will attest, leftover cold pizza is a fine way to start the day. With our leftovers, however, you can kiss the extra fat and calories good-bye. And you’ll be starting your day right with some green veggie and a serving of whole grains in the crust.
Garden Vegetable Soup with Grilled Chicken. Chicken, vegetables, pasta, and herbs simmered in a savory broth—what a delightful entry into your workday.