It's that dreaded time of year again. Back to school. This is a good time to ease the children gradually into the new school year routine so that things will run smoothly come the first week of September.

Breakfast is the most important meal for the day and children need a good start to prevent them becoming easily bored, so here are some new ideas to ensure they have a healthy meal each morning.

For the next three weeks, we will share more ideas for school lunches and breakfasts. Send us your ideas at:lifestyle@gleanerjm.com

French Toast

Ingredients

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

1 cup milk

6-8 slices bread (2-4 days old)

1. Combine eggs, salt, sugar and milk.

2. Dip bread in mixture. Avoid over soaking.

3. Sauté in a well-greased frying pan. Turn bread when it's brown.

4. Serve plain or with syrup, jam, honey etc.

Pancakes

Ingredients

4 oz flour

1/2 pint milk

1 egg

2 tbs margarine, melted

1. Sift flour and make a well in centre.

2 Add egg; pour in milk and beat well with whisk or fork until smooth.

3. Drop batter one large spoonful at a time into a hot frying pan.

4. Brown on both sides. Serve with sugar, jam, syrup etc. or filled with callaloo.

Hominy Corn Porridge

Hominy porridge is a Jamaican favourite that packs a solid punch at the start of the day.

Ingredients

11/2 cups hominy corn

2 cups coconut milk (soy milk can substitute)

8 cups water

1/2 tsp salt

Brown sugar to taste

1 tsp nutmeg (ground)

vanilla-optional

1. Put the hominy corn to soak in water overnight.

2. Be sure the hominy corn is completely covered and there is enough water to leave it overnight.

3. Add a teaspoon of salt to taste (optional).

4. In the morning, drain the water from the corn and pour the corn in a pressure cooker with the coconut milk.

5. To thicken, add one tablespoon flour. Allow to boil for about 20-30 minutes or until cooked.

6. Add vanilla and nutmeg and sweeten to taste.

NB: Adding raisins and nuts to any porridge will provide more nutrients and improve the flavour.

Recipes from: Consumer Affairs Commission's 'Eating Right when Money Tight'.

Oats porridge from Grace Kitchens.