In this series, I have been sharing cheap and quick recipes. In this last installment, I will cover breakfast.

It's true, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is also the most hectic time of the day in my household. It is too easy to spend a great deal of money on trashy breakfast foods in order to buy back some time. Here are a few recipies that combine time and financial savings.

Not so (mc)Muffins

• 1 english muffin (0.25)
• 1-2 eggs (0.15)
• 1/2 - 1 hotdog (0.12)
• 1 slice cheese, optional (0.10)

Cut the english muffin in half and put it in the toaster set for extra crispy. Scramble the egg(s) lightly in a small bowl and cut up the hotdog into chunks.

In a small non-stick omelette pan cook the hot dogs until slightly browned. Spread them out across the bottom of the pan and pour in the egg(s). Stir the eggs and hot dogs together and cook at medium heat.

Divide the egg mix into quarters and pull off the heat. Put each quarter-circle on a toasted english muffin half. This makes 4 open face muffins.

Ready-when-you-are Oatmeal

In a saucepan or microwaveable bowl mix

• 1 cup oatmeal (0.15)

• 1 ½ cups milk(0.25)

• ½ cup apple juice(0.15)

• apple pieces (optional)

• raisins, nuts or wheat germ (optional)

Let sit overnight in the refrigerate. The next morning, when you need to get going, warm the oatmeal on the stove or in the microwave.

Chewy Granola Bars

3 cups oats 1 cup flour 1 t. baking soda 2 t. vanilla 2/3 cup butter, softened ½ cup honey 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 cup mini chocolate chips or M&Ms Optional: raisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine vanilla, butter, honey, and brown sugar; add to oat mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Lightly press mixture into the pan with the back of your spoon. Bake at 325 for 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.