CUISINE

TIPS & TRICKS: Make hard-boiled eggs ahead of time and keep them in your refrigerator. Save small servings of meat, cheese, and fruit that aren’t quite enough for an extra serving to add to boards like this.

EASY-BREEZY breakfast

GET INTO THE BACK TO SCHOOL RHYTHM WITH THESE FAST BUT FILLING DISHES

BY MELISSA TATE

QUICK BREAKFAST BOARDS

MAKES: 2-4 | PREP: 5 MIN. | TOTAL: 5-15 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: Mini muffins | Fresh fruit | Nuts | Cheese | Cured meat | Hard-boiled eggs DIRECTIONS: CHOOSE your items depending on who you prepare the board for or use whatever you have in your kitchen. Anything goes on these boards. KEEP it balanced by adding hard-boiled eggs, several slices of cured meat, cheese slices, a handful of nuts, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey. PREPARE on a board or pack in a box for an on-the-go breakfast.

TIPS & TRICKS: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Use the base mixture, all ingredients aside from chocolate chips, and add in things like cranberry and walnuts instead. Top with fresh berries and more nuts. Whatever your family loves.

EASY BAKED OATS

MAKES: 1 | PREP: 5 MIN. | COOK: 20 MIN. | TOTAL: 25 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: ½ cup rolled oats | ¼ cup milk | ½ large banana | 1 egg | 1 Tbsp. honey | ¼ tsp. baking powder | 1 pinch of salt | 2 Tbsp. chocolate chips DIRECTIONS: MIX all ingredients except chocolate chips in a blender. Once blended, stir in chocolate chips. SPRAY a small ramekin or baking dish with nonstick spray. POUR mixture into a baking dish. BAKE at 350° for 20 min. REMOVE from oven once baked and top with honey, peanut butter, and extra chocolate chips.

TIPS & TRICKS:

These tacos last up to 6 months in the freezer.

MAKE AHEAD BREAKFAST TACOS

ABOUT OUR CHEF

Melissa is a freelance food writer with a passion for hospitality and home cooked meals. Along with writing, she helps her husband run their working ranch and event venue in Rockwall, Texas. To follow her cooking and ranching adventures Instagram at @MELISSATATETX

MAKES: 6 | PREP: 10 MIN. | COOK: 15 MIN. | TOTAL: 25 MIN. ON ORIGINAL COOK, 45 SECONDS ON REHEAT

INGREDIENTS: ½ lb. breakfast sausage | 6 eggs | 1 tsp. salt | 1 tsp. pepper | 1 tsp. garlic powder | 6 slices cheddar cheese | 6 flour tortillas | 6 pieces of parchment paper DIRECTIONS: HEAT skillet over medium/high heat. ADD sausage and brown until no more pink is seen, about 4 minutes. While the sausage is browning, crack eggs into a bowl and mix. ONCE the sausage is browned, remove all liquid fat except 2 Tbsp. Some sausages may not need to be drained. ADD egg mixture to sausage and fat. ADD salt, pepper, and garlic powder. SCRAMBLE egg and sausage together, cooking for about 3 minutes or until eggs are fully cooked. REMOVE the mixture from the stovetop. PLACE one slice of cheddar cheese onto each tortilla and top with equal portions of taco mixture. ROLL tacos and wrap them in parchment paper. Do not wrap in foil. EAT tacos while warm or place them in the freezer for a quick and easy homemade breakfast. REHEAT by placing parchmentwrapped taco in the microwave for 45 seconds.

A SMATTERING of stuff

THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH

BY HEATHER WITHERSPOON

JUST PEACHY

The skin, flesh, and pit of vine peaches cultivated in France are macerated in alcohol to extract as much taste and aroma as possible. A small amount of sugar is incorporated, and water is added to bring the liqueur to proof. The result is Mathilde Pêche, a flavorful French liqueur that is wonderfully adaptable for mixing in cocktails, using in baking and cooking, and drizzling on fruits and desserts.

LOCAL LIQUOR STORES, PRICE VARIES

SOCIAL SENSATION

I’m not on social media much these days, but when I am, I usually scroll past the recommended items in my feed. But the name alone of one suggestion warranted a click. Barbara Costello, better known as Brunch with Babs, has amassed a huge following of almost 3 million followers between TikTok and Instagram with short videos that feature practical recipes and everyday household tips. Her warm and enthusiastic attitude is infectious. So, it was no surprise that she has a best-selling cookbook on Amazon and has been a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.

INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @BRUNCHWITHBABS

STYLISH STRAINING

For kitchen preparations with personality, look no further than the MacKenzie-

Childs Flower Market Small

Colander. Fill with veggies grown in your garden or hand-picked strawberries for a lovely hostess gift.

NEIMANMARCUS.COM, $78

CLEVER CUTTING

Up your prepping game with these 5-Blade Herb Scissors that are the perfect tool for snipping and mincing herbs, scallions, and other delicate foods.

CRATEANDBARREL.COM, $12