Forget the $6 Box of Cereal. Make nutritious breakfast "fast food" for pennies.

Everyone knows the importance of a good breakfast to start the day right. 

Many of us have rejected the empty calories of highly processed breakfast cereals.  I remember touring a major cereal manufacturer thirty five years ago.  The guide showed us how the whole corn that came into the plant was processed and reduced to inert white mush.  Then it was formed, dyed and sprayed with vitamins to create a so-called nutritious product. I swore off corn flakes forever.

So how can I get a quick nutritious breakfast without spending $6 for a box of premium whole grain cereal?  Most mornings I don't have time to spend 30 minutes or more cooking oatmeal or other whole grains.

Here's an idea that works for my family.  Cook up a big batch of your favorite breakfast grain.  Try oatmeal (the long cooking kind), buckwheat (nice nutty taste) or polenta.  Pour most of the batch into a bread pan.  After the cereal cools and has steamed off the excess water, cover the pan and put it in the refrigerator for quick nutritious breakfasts.

The chilled cereal will form a block from which you can cut slices.  These slices can be eaten cold with a topping of yogurt or fruit.  I usually prefer a warm breakfast.  Fried oatmeal or other grains is delicious. 

Just put a little butter, olive oil or cooking spray in a fry pan and brown the grain slice to desired crispiness. You can do this while your coffee or tea is brewing. Toppings can range from cinnamon to salsa, or anything you like.  I really like maple syrup on grilled polenta slices.

You can cook herbs or fruit into your grain loaf.  However, if you leave it plain, it also works well for a quick, filling lunch or supper with a topping of grilled vegetables or as a side dish to a meat meal.  You can season the slices as you like for each meal.

The cost is just pennies per serving and it only takes minutes.