Leaving the snug confines of the duvet is a little bit easier if you have a delicious breakfast to look forward to.  And at this time of year we need something warming to pull us out of that blanket nest.

Porridge is the obvious hot breakfast and this doesn’t have to be made with oats: quinoa flakes, buckwheat flakes, millet and polenta all make tasty porridge-like dishes.

But what if you can’t stand the texture of porridge? 

Try these tempting alternatives instead and enjoy a warming, porridge-free start to your day!

1.Buckwheat pancakesblog_Ggle

For the pancake mixture blend buckwheat flour with whichever milk you enjoy and either a mashed banana or an egg.  Serve with blueberries and yoghurt (natural, soya or coconut).

 

2. Poached eggs with spinach, grilled mushrooms & grilled tomatoes

Protein, greens and antioxidant nutrients are all packed together in this simple breakfast.

 

3. Warm Smoothies

Many people abandon smoothies once the weather turns cold but you can switch them round to suit the winter months.  Simply warm the milk and add 1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon and turmeric before blending in your fruit and greens.

 

4. Stewed Fruit Crumble

Apple, pears and plums are perfect stewing fruit and plentiful at this time of year.  Top with homemade sugar-free granola, flaked almonds and seeds and a dollop of yoghurt (natural, soya or coconut).

 

5. Pumpkin & quinoa bowldreamstimefree_251099

Mix pre-roasted pumpkin (or butternut squash) with cooked quinoa, chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon – add yoghurt too if you like!

 

6. Veggie omelette

Gently fry chopped peppers, mushrooms, spinach and a handful of cherry tomatoes in coconut / olive / avocado oil then add beaten egg to make a speedy, healthful breakfast omelette.
Or try Rainbow Egg Cups; these can be batch cooked and stored in the fridge or freezer to last all week.

 

7. Toasted rye bread with sliced avocado, pistachio nuts and chopped fresh figsblog2_Ggle

Use gluten-free bread or oatcakes for a G/F alternative to rye bread, and drizzle a little raw honey over the figs.

 

8. Tofu Scramble

Tofu is a great alternative to scrambled eggs and a rich source of calcium, magnesium and protein.  For full recipe details click through to www.thekitchn.com

 

Which foods tempt you from under the covers at this time of year?
Tell us more over in the Facebook group!