A Toast to my Favorite Breakfasts.

In light of my most recent post on an August Homage to Brunch, and the fact that I woke up this morning really excited about the raw Hemp Seeds I bought to put on my peanut-butter toast, I've decided to share with you a few things that come to mind about my love for breakfast.

Seriously, ya'll - I LOVE breakfast. Lunch and dinner are great (have I told you that eating is my absolute favorite thing to do?!), so I think my love for that first meal has simply to do with starting the day off doing something I love. Perhaps it's the dreamy state of being to blame, but breakfast is the only meal that allows me to eat the same thing 10 days in a row and never get tired. And since I don't ever eat the same thing quite 10 days in a row, I really never get tired of the even the most simple breakfasts.

Take my absolute favorite, peanut butter and banana on toast, for example. I buy a different kind of peanut butter or a different kind of good, whole grain bread each time I run out, and voilah! New meal all together! Sort of. If I throw in a few slices of fruit, then damn...my taste buds start opera singing.

Today I am going to share with you a mini list of points on what makes vegan breakfast so easy, and so delightful. Really, these points all applied to my love of breakfast before becoming vegan, so anyone hesitant to partake because the word "vegan" scares them...well, be not afraid! I've been making vegan pancakes since long before I gave up the bacon. 

Cheers, ya'll! 

1. Coffee never gets old. I use a French Press every morning that allows for it, which is most mornings. It makes the enjoyment of that one perfect cup that much more delightful. Like anything, the more love put in, the more put out. I've had the same press for five years, a great standby Bodum. And anyone arguing that it takes longer than drip coffee maker is blatantly wrong. Drip: rinse pot from day old, pour in filtered water to exact measurement line, rinse out grinds, grab new filter... um, I'm not even to the pushing the "on" button, and my French Press could already be ready. Press: heat some water, pour in some grinds, wait a few minutes, press. And to be certain - no, I do not measure, I do not weigh, I do not use a timer. And my coffee is always perfect. 

2. There are so many ways to make toast! With great whole-grain bread as the base, there are seriously a million ways to make something seemingly simple so delicious. For the record, I do switch back and forth between creamy and crunchy peanut butter. Some of my favorite toast varieties include:
- Peanut Butter, Sliced Banana (duh)
- Peanut Butter, Sliced Banana AND: chia seeds, hemp seeds, agave syrup, or coconut shreds...the possibilities are endless!
- Coconut Oil, light agave drizzle, coconut shreds, hemp seeds, raisins

3. This Banana Pancake recipe has never failed me. I was never a huge pancake person until I discovered this recipe, aptly named "Brainless Banana Pancakes." The geniuses behind it (found in my first vegan cookbook, How It All Vegan) really knew what they were doing. I mean- it has literally never failed me. It's also one of the only recipes I now know by heart. You know, just in case I ever need to whip out my awesome banana pancake "skills" in a morning-sun lit kitchen other than my own. 

4. When my alarm clock fails me, work never does. I don't think I've expressed it very much, but I love my job. The word "lucky" doesn't even describe the gratitude I have to be called the General Manager at Luna's Living Kitchen, Charlotte's only Raw Vegan food establishment. Every day is filled with the perfect combination of fun and challenges, for my heart, my mind, my soul, and my belly alike. (Okay...scratch the "challenges" part when it comes to my belly.) ANYWHO, on days when the rain or snow er...my bed just makes it really difficult to get up in time, Luna's is always there to save me. Not only do we make this amazing raw granola, but we also serve an entire menu of raw, vegan breakfast deeeelights! And for the record, this post is absolutely 1000% NOT sponsored. I really just love Luna's and Luna's food that much! 

5. There are so many great cooks willing to share their breakfast and brunch genius with you. Aside from yours truly, of course (totally joking), the wwweb is full of amazing vegan food bloggers willing to give up their morning magic tricks. Just a couple that I love are the Kitchn and Post Punk Kitchen, but Google any of your favorite traditional recipes followed by the word "vegan" and bam! You're all set. 

Alrighty, that's all I have for now, but I hope you've enjoyed! Until next time... Peanut Butter toast!  <3