Whether you make breakfast every morning or you need a plan for feeding overnight guests, these tips will make sure that breakfast time runs smoothly and that you enjoy the process.
- Mis en place.
Get out everything you will need for breakfast – skillets, spatulas, plates, forks, chopping knives, mixing bowls, nonstick spray, all of it. If you don’t, the temptation to bypass the kitchen and head out for some bagels or donuts will be strong! I am one of those people who hates to have anything out when I go to sleep, but the payoff here is unbelievable. Once you wake up and see everything in place, it’s a lot easier to start cooking. After all, once it’s out, your only choices will be to get cooking or put everything away.
- Prep your food the night before.
Get as much done as you can without actually cooking. If you need diced onions for an omelet, dice them up and put them in a little bowl or plastic bag. Scrambling eggs? Whisk your eggs in a bowl with seasonings and cover with plastic wrap so they’re ready for you in the fridge. Making bacon? Lay it out on a baking sheet and cover with foil so it’s ready to pop into the oven.
- Have a cleanup plan.
Either ask someone to handle cleanup or figure out the easiest way to accomplish cleanup. Can everything go in the dishwasher? Make sure it’s pre-loaded with detergent. Can you make everything using only one pan? What about if you wipe out the pan in between making different things?
- Set aside a cook’s treat.
A cook’s treat is a little something only the cook gets to enjoy. Pour a glass of orange juice and have a cup of coffee sitting in the fridge ready to be heated up when you get in the kitchen. Or it could be a little nibble of good cheese. Don’t let a growling tummy or sleepy eyes make you anxious to finish or start your day on a sour note.
- Have some background noise planned out.
A little tv, radio or soft music going as you move around the kitchen helps wake you up and not feel as if you’re working away alone. Nothing loud enough to wake other people, but something you can easily hear. This has an added bonus of maybe catching the latest weather or traffic report and being able to adjust your schedule or your clothes accordingly. Making breakfast can be your time to catch up on a podcast no one else likes or some trashy reality tv 🙂
I hope you’ve found this helpful!
I couldn’t agree more!! As a health coach, I work with my clients on getting their breakfasts made easier. Food prep is so important!!
Thanks, Naomi! It’s so beneficial! Your clients have an awesome coach 😀