I love breakfast. I love everything about breakfast. The food, the coffee, the sitting in silence, and not having to talk to anyone until 10am. It’s just the best. But I’ve started a new job that requires me to get to the office earlier than I’m used to. And that’s majorly thrown off my breakfast game.
See, I’m not a first thing in the morning breakfast kind of person. Never have been. I’m much more of a first thing in the morning coffee kind of person. I can go hours without having breakfast, but I can’t last ten minutes without my coffee. My ability to operate a french press without having a cup of coffee first is literally a gift from the universe.
Once I’ve had my caffeine fix, I’m able to function. And by function, I mean do more than stare out the two inches of “ocean view” my landlord overcharges me for. Maybe two hours after waking up I’ll start making breakfast. Three months of funemployment made me REAL good at breakfast prep. Probably too good. Everyday was a fresh veggie scramble, poached eggs over greens, or sometimes leftover chili (which is surprisingly good in the morning). But it was almost always fresh and definitely always warm – though never microwaved because that’s just plain disrespectful to your food.
So the whole “desk breakfast” thing has been a rough transition for me. Not as rough as having to wear pants on a daily basis, but a challenge nonetheless. My breakfast now is never fresh and it usually has that awesome warm on the outside/cold on the inside thing goin on. Lukewarm throughout if I’m lucky. But you know the worst part? Eating out of tupperware. It’s pathetic and sad and lonely and I hate it. Who knew plates would be such a freakin luxury!
Even though my breakfast environment has been sacrificed, my breakfast food hasn’t. I’m not one to miss a meal or grab some sort of bar on my way out the door. Hell to the no. As much as I love RX Bars, that’s never been a replacement for fresh veggies, pastured eggs, and nutrient-packed meat to start the day. I like to eat big ass meals three times a day, so starting my day with anything less will only set me up for a snack-filled and hangry afternoon.
This recipe has been a godsend. Not only does it supply me with some protein and fat first thing, it has all the good breakfast flavors happening. Cinnamon, garlic, and maple syrup? That’s right! These meatballs are delicious warm, cold, or some sort of unfortunate warm/cold combo. And they’re easy to throw in some sad tupperware and eat at your desk, in your car, or wherever! Not saying I recommend that on-the-go eating all the tim, but life happens. And it’s much more normal to pop a little meatball in your mouth than gnaw on a chicken leg at a red light on your morning commute. I mean, I have no shame so I’ll eat drumsticks in the car with the windows down any time of day. But you do you.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 100% pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon pink himalayan salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Massage spices into meat until evenly distributed.
- Roll into 12 small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place on a baking sheet. Optional: line with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops begin to brown.
Enjoy! <3
