Breakfast

This batter is very adaptable: If you want savory crêpes, simply omit the sugar. For flavored crêpes, replace the vanilla with a flavored extract such as almond, a liquor like rum or brandy, or a flavored liquor such as Kirsch or Amaretto.

Crêpes freeze well—you can make a big batch and stack them, separated by sheets of waxed paper, in a tightly sealed container or plastic bag. Stored this way, they'll keep for several months. Allow them to defrost at room temperature, then reheat as described in the do-ahead instructions below.

What are crepes? View definition.

This beautiful parfait tastes so much richer than it is. You can serve it for breakfast or for dessert. Look for organic yogurt that has no thickeners or gums added to it.

For the honey-cinnamon butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the sweet-potato pancakes

The Seaman and Steel families are addicted to this homemade granola with dried blueberries and sweet dates. Serve it with a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt or ice cream, sprinkled on pancakes, or in a smoothie.

Top this nutritious, hearty breakfast with fresh berries, dried fruit and nuts or flax seeds and then pour a bit of hemp or almond milk over the top. Only have frozen fruit on hand? Stir it into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Called en cocotte in French or shirred eggs, these baked eggs are cooked in individual dishes. Add a little flavorful ham, salami, turkey or smoked salmon to the bottom of each, goat cheese to the top. 

 

A nutritious breakfast of oatmeal is always a good idea, but not everyone likes the consistency of cereal grains simmered on the stovetop. Baking offers another way to reap the benefits of oats' whole-grain goodness. In this mixture, old-fashioned oatmeal (not the powdery quick-cooking grain) is mixed with whole-wheat flour and all-purpose flour, along with butter and buttermilk. Preparing scones requires gentle handling. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients quickly; overmixing will yield tough scones. Add 1 cup light or dark raisins with the buttermilk, if you like.