When we first discovered Ella was struggling in school, one of her teachers suggested giving her a healthy, protein packed start to her day. We had heard that foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and other protein packed breakfast items, versus a carb laden breakfast, could help kids remain focused and stay fueled until lunchtime. I didn’t really give much thought as to how breakfast nutrition played a part in learning at school with my other kids, but that was before we had a child who wasn’t achieving as well as she could in school. If there was something as simple as changing her breakfast routine that could jumpstart her day and keep her rearing to go until lunch time, you can bet I was going to try it.
Lucky for me, Ella loves breakfast and has taken well to dairy rich breakfasts packed with protein. Even if she does have cereal, we always make sure it is complimented by a big glass of milk or a side of Greek yogurt. Has it helped her in school? I personally think that getting a healthy start to her day has helped to curb her hunger until lunch, which has to mean she’s more focused on school work versus her growling tummy. We’ve seen improvements in her behavior as well as her school work, so I have to believe this simple change in diet is helping!
According to The Midwest Dairy Association…
To me, that just makes sense… why not give our kids a head start each day with a healthy breakfast full of high quality protein? I know for us, if it can make even the slightest difference, we want to do it. For a child that starts each day a little behind the rest, whatever we can do to help her get ahead before she heads off to school, we will do.
For more information on how a healthy start to the morning can effect kids focus and attention at school, head over to The Midwest Dairy Association website. It’s packed with great recipe ideas, inspiring stories and solid nutrition facts.
One of the breakfast recipes we’ve become quite fond of over the past couple of years is a quiche, packed with broccoli slaw, of all things as well as cheesy goodness. This is one breakfast I feel great about making for Ella, and my other kids, to give them a great start to their day. Enjoy!
Cheesy Slaw Quiche
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 1-1/2 cups DOLE® Broccoli Slaw
- 1-1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Whisk together, eggs, milk, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
- Pour filling into 9-inch pie crust. Distribute broccoli slaw evenly over egg mixture.
- Sprinkle with cheeses and place on a cookie sheet and into the oven.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until custard is just set.
- Cool at least 20 minutes.
Notes
Disclosure: I am honored to be partnering in a compensated capacity with Midwest Dairy Association to create recipes and share information about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. As always, all opinions expressed are my own!
Tieghan says
I love this quiche! It so light, fresh and healthy and I am in love with all things involving cheese!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
So glad to hear that she’s doing better! Food really is the best medicine.
Rachel Cooks says
This is such a unique quiche! I;’m loving it! And glad to hear Ella is doing better in school. 🙂
DessertForTwo says
What a great use for the leftover broccoli slaw I always have! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
I love broccoli slaw but I’ve never put it in a quiche!! I’ve actually never made a quiche in my life – what is wrong with me?!? Love this.
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
I would never have thought to put broccoli slaw in quiche! I’m a huge quiche lover so I’ll have to try this one.
Heidi @foodiecrush says
Love the slaw included in the quiche. I’m kind of a neurotic about Smudge’s breakfasts which usually comprise of eggs and toast and milk (plenty of protein) or hearty oatmeal. Gotta keep brain fortified. Great post and reminder!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Ummmm, yeah. This is my kind of brekky.
(sorry for saying brekky)
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
Never thought breakfast could hinder a childs learning at school. Good to know for future reference.
Heather @ Heather's Dish says
Thank you so much for sharing this Kristen! I guess it makes sense that if a good breakfast is needed for adults, then the same would be true for kiddos – I never thought of it that way! And I love the new way to use broccoli slaw! I love it, but usually just roast or steam it.
Amanda says
How great is it that you came up with this wonderful meal to help Ella in school! 🙂
Nancy Wyatt says
This sounds good, must give it a try although Andy doesn’t care for broccoli so we will see what he thinks, lol Thanks for sharing and glad to hear Ella is doing well!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I need to try that with my daughter – she struggles a lot too. She’s so darn picky it’s hard to get anything besides cereal in her. This would be great if I made it mini. For some reason mini foods are more fun for her. 😉
Nutmeg Nanny says
This quiche looks incredible 🙂 I love quiche, I’d love to try this one!