Thursday, April 24, 2025

As the weather gets colder, we need to make sure to fuel up in the morning. Foodland Ontario‘s Teresa Makarewicz is here with two great recipes that will be sure to become fall favourites.

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Ham, Egg and Cheese Muffins

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Makes 12 muffins

1 small Ontario Onion, diced
1/3 cup (75 mL) each diced Ontario Sweet Red and Green Pepper
1/3 cup (75 mL) vegetable oil
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) cornmeal
1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each baking soda and salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each pepper and dried thyme
1 cup (250 mL) shredded sharp (aged) Ontario Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (125 mL) diced Ontario Ham
1 Ontario Egg
1-1/4 cups (300 mL) Ontario Milk

In microwaveable bowl, combine onion, red and green peppers and oil. Cover and cook on High for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes to soften. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper and thyme. Stir in cheese and ham. In another bowl, lightly beat egg; stir in milk. Add milk mixture and vegetable mixture to dry mixture and stir just until moistened.

Spoon batter into greased muffin cups. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack 5 minutes; turn muffins out to cool completely.

Tip: Try diced cooked bacon (4 slices) or smoked sausage instead of ham.

Nutritional Information (1/2 cup/125 mL diced bacon):
1 Muffin:
PROTEIN: 7 grams
FAT: 12 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 22 grams
FIBRE: 1 gram
CALORIES: 224

Bircher Muesli
Oats are soaked beforehand instead of cooked in the morning, making it an ideal healthy breakfast for time-starved cooks. While the recipe originates in Switzerland, it makes use of Ontario’s apples, honey or maple syrup and calcium-rich dairy.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Soaking Time: 4 hours
Serves 2

1/2 cup (125 mL) large flake rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup (125 mL) milk
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) cinnamon
1 small Ontario Apple (unpeeled)
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped almonds
2 tbsp (25 mL) raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup (50 mL) plain or vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp (15 mL) Ontario Honey or Maple Syrup

In medium bowl, combine oats, milk and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Just before serving, dice apple. Stir apple, almonds and raisins into oatmeal mixture. Divide between bowls; top with yogurt and drizzle with honey.

Tip: Vary the fruit according to Ontario’s seasons. Try other nuts or dried fruit to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information:
1 Serving:
PROTEIN: 9 grams
FAT: 7 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 48 grams
CALORIES: 288
FIBRE: 5 grams
SODIUM: 57 mg