Breakfast Cheddar Bites

Instead of that bowl of cereal or bagel or donut, whip these little mini muffins up in less than 20 minutes--total time.  Serve them warm out of the oven with a piece of fruit, some cherry tomatoes, a cup of coffee and you'll be out the door getting those spring projects done. These are similar to those holiday cheddar/sausage appetizers but with less calories and more flavor.

First, you need a Mini Muffin Pan ("MMP").  If you don't have one, go buy one but it has to be non-stick because they are a bitch nightmare to clean. I Love my MMP (even if it is Rachel Ray but it was free so I will ignore the orange handles and her presence in my kitchen).   These pans are wonderful for snacks and bite-size, Low(er) Calorie Eating Portion Control.  This recipe can be made, put in the freezer and reheated in the oven all through the week.  They are great for kids and grown-ups. If you want to use light cheese, the calories go down even more and Canadian Bacon can be used in place of ham or forget the meat and go vegetarian. I'm guessing these are probably about 30-40 calories per bite and it would take 3-4 to count as a WW point but I don't really know. I just like to speculate.

If you are a hoarder, at least be organized. You can put all kinds of junk stuff in your MMP--earrings, paper clips, cat food--your cat may not find the humor in having to eat from a dozen little cat bowlettes.  Head games with cats are always good in my opinion. 

Breakfast Cheddar Bites

(makes about 2 dozen mini-bites)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

1.5 c Pioneer (or Bisquick) Baking Mix (Pioneer is just so much better in my opinion)
3/4 c buttermilk (or make your own by adding 2 TBSP lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to milk)
2 TBSP sugar, optional
1 c grated cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1/2 c chopped ham, optional
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp pepper
splash of vanilla
Optional add-ins: chopped green peppers, diced onions, mushrooms--think omelettes or pizza toppings

Mix all ingredients.  Spray your MMP with Pam.  Fill pan with about 1 heaping teaspoon batter, bake for 10-12 minutes until tops are golden brown.  Serve warm.

Now, take a few minutes to think about Spring--it's coming and my Daffodils are blooming their crazy little heads off with big smiles on their happy little Daffodil faces.

Bon Printemps!