Breakfast recipes: 2 dishes with a crunch

Breakfast is the most important, and arguably the most fun, meal of the day. Switch things up with these must-try crunchy morning recipes.

This simple twist on dessert makes a tasty and healthy breakfast. Store-bought granola stays wonderfully crisp when layered between plain yogurt and warm sautéed bananas.

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 5 min 

Serves 1

• 5 g (1 tsp) unsalted butter
• 1 small ripe banana, cut into 1/2 cm thick (1/4 in thick) slices
• 15 g (1 tbsp) light brown sugar
• 5 ml (1 tsp) dark rum (optional
• )125 ml (1/2 c) plain low-fat yogurt, divided
• 125 g (1/2 c) granola, divided

1. Heat the butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When it melts, add the banana slices and cook for one minute.
2. Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and the bananas soften, one to two minutes. Off the heat, stir in the rum, if using, then return to the stove and cook until the rum evaporates, about 15 seconds. Remove from the heat and let stand three minutes.
3. Spoon 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) of the yogurt into the bottom of a tall parfait or wine glass. Top with 50 grams (1/4 cup) of the granola and half of the bananas. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Take this morning treat to the next level by drizzling each layer of ­granola with five millilitres (one teaspoon) honey or maple syrup.

Granola has long been thought of as a "health" food and overlooked for its great taste and ­versatility, like topping fruit crisps or baking into muffins. What stands out in this granola is the refreshing taste of dried cranberries and cherries instead of the ubiquitous raisin.

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 45 min

Makes 1.5 kilograms (6 cups)

• 1 L (4 c) old-fashioned oatmeal (rolled oats)
• 250 ml (1 c) coarsely chopped walnuts
• 5 g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt
• 125 ml (1/2 c) maple syrup
• 50 ml (1/4 c) honey
• 50 ml (1/4 c) canola oil
• 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract
• 250 g (1 c) dried cranberries
• 250 g (1 c) dried cherries

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the syrup, honey, oil and vanilla.
4. Pour the syrup mixture over the oatmeal mixture and mix well to combine. Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until the mixture is lightly golden and toasted, 45 to 55 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and stir in the cranberries and cherries. Cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

To make a granola that stands out even more, try adding 50 grams (1/4 cup) sesame seeds, 50 grams (1/4 cup) slivered almonds and 125 grams (1/2 cup) sweetened coconut flakes.

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