-
Date Crostini with Walnut Cream Cheese
When it comes to natural breakfast sweets, maple syrup and honey may come to mind first, but dates are another great option. With a flavor that is deeper and tends toward caramel, they have been significant to cuisines throughout the ages. One of the oldest cultivated plants, date trees also have rich symbolic value, with the fruit representing life and fertility and the leaves being part of many cultural traditions. Among his wishes for marriage, the 13th century poet Rumi hopes that the union may “offer fruit and shade like the date palm.” Full of natural sweetness, dates make a healthy alternative to refined sugar, but I love them for…
-
Maple Granola
As a child, breakfast was not my favorite meal. Some kids prefer mounds of pancakes, but my go-to breakfast was a tiny package of granola clusters. Simple and enjoyable to make, homemade maple granola reminds me of those school day breakfasts while having all the flavors that satisfy my adult cravings. When you are in the mood for a crunchy, flavorful treat in the morning or just need a fast, healthy breakfast or snack, granola is a great option. With plenty of pure maple syrup and the perfect blend of salty and sweet, this recipe makes a complete breakfast all on its own, but it also works well as a…
-
Apple Cider Streusel Muffins with Glazed Pecans
The scent of apple cider signals the coming of crisp fall days and cozy nights. Apple picking is fine, but when we head to a local orchard, the true pleasure for me is returning home with gallons of apple cider and way too many doughnuts. Experimenting with some of this cider led to delicious muffins that feature a middle layer of cider glazed pecans and a cinnamon streusel topping. With cider incorporated into the buttermilk batter, they smell so good that we always eat them while still freshly-baked and warm.
-
Cornmeal Scones with Red Cheddar and Apricot
With a sweeter flavor than other varieties, red cheddar always strikes me as the ideal cheese for breakfast. A perfect complement to fruit, it calls to mind my father’s predilection for topping apple pie with a slice of cheddar. Why opt for sweet or savory when you can have both?
