Cheese for Breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It can also be your best when you prepare it with a little love and your favourite cheese. Just imagine waking up for work or school with a cheddar and Parmesan omelette or hash browns topped with chevre to look froward to.

Since cheese is a good source of protein it’s a great way to start the day, especially for growing children and adolescents. Research has continually shown that eating breakfast improves concentration, problem solving ability, memory and mood. So chipper up, a bite of toast with melted Gruyère may be all you need to get through Monday morning.

Here are some quick and easy ways to enjoy cheese for breakfast:

Eggs

Pita Pocket - Scramble a few egg whites and shredded Cheddar with chopped mushrooms, onions, and peppers. Stuff into toasted halves of pita bread and wrap in foil if you're on the go.

Greek Omelette - Chop spinach leaves, red onion, garlic and tomatoes and sauté in a skillet over medium heat until tender. Beat eggs with just a touch of water and pour over the spinach mixture. As eggs set, use a spatula to lift the omelette and let the uncooked portion flow underneath. When almost set, sprinkle with crumbled Feta cheese and cook another minute until set.

Breakfast Burrito - Top a flour tortilla with scrambled eggs and a bit of salsa and grated Cheddar.

Southwestern America Style Breakfast Pizza - Scramble eggs with a bit of milk and some sliced green onions. Place a prepared pizza crust on a baking sheet and spread with salsa. Top with scrambled eggs, strips of cooked bacon and shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican Queso. Bake at 200ºC for 10 minutes.

Spreads and Dips

Cream Cheese Swirl - Swirl cream cheese with chocolate spread, jam or lemon curd and smear on toast.

Ricotta Fruit Dip - Blend ricotta cheese with a touch of orange juice, sugar, and fresh orange zest. Dip with strawberries, melon or the breakfast fruits of your choice.

Cinnamon Raisin Cheese Spread - In a food processor, blend equal parts cream cheese and cottage cheese. Add a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar and stir in a handful of raisins. Chill in the refrigerator and serve with toast or pancakes.

Bagels and Toast

Toast with Stilton and Apricots - Lightly toast slices of brioche, challah or panettone and spread one side with butter. Top with canned apricot halves and a slice of white Stilton with cranberries, or Wensleydale with pear and ginger. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar and grill until cheese melts.

Cheese and Banana Bagels Toast bagels and top with a spoonful of cottage cheese, banana slices and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.

Brie and Chicken Bagels - Split bagels and layer one half with roasted chicken and a slice of Brie or Camembert. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce, and place the other bagel half on top. Cook bagels on a baking sheet at 180ºC for 10 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt.

Toast with Cheesy Toppings The combinations are deliciously endless! Try these unique ideas:

• Mascarpone, fresh raspberries and honey
• Brie, cherries, pecans and a sprinkle of sugar
• Blue cheese and fig spread
• Parmesan cheese and butter (or Italian dressing)
• Camembert and a drizzle of maple syrup
• Sharp Cheddar cheese and bitter orange marmalade

Now that’s what we cheese lovers like to call a good morning.