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If your family faces a rush in the morning, as does mine, eating a nutritious breakfast can often be a challenge. With everyone leaving at various times and heading to different locations - quick, easy and nutritious fare is what I look for.

Here are a few healthier ideas to help tame morning crunch-time.

• Muffins and quick breads can be made ahead of time and, if care is taken, can be packed with energy providing nutrition.
• Breakfast burritos and egg muffin sandwiches likewise can be made ahead and frozen for a flash-in-the-microwave start to your day.
• Breakfast cookies are the newest rage. They range from savory to sweet and everything in-between.
• Handheld toaster-heated waffles like chocolate chip and blueberry offer flavor without the mess of maple syrup.
• Juice boxes (100 percent juice please, mom!) are great for commutes.
• Whole grain bagels with cream cheese or peanut butter are quick and easy.

If you don't want to eat on the run, but still want to get out the door on time, try setting the table the night before for cereal, juice and toast or a breakfast casserole made the night before and reheated in the morning.

These muffins can be made in advance and frozen. Just pop them into the microwave in the morning for an energizing and delicious start to your day.

Morning Energy Muffins

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups bran cereal
2/3 cup milk (low or no fat)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2/3 cup applesauce or pumpkin puree OR 1 ripe mashed banana
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup raisins, chopped dried apricots or other dried fruit

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Prepare muffin tin with paper liners or cooking spray. Combine flours, wheat germ, spices, salt, baking powder and bran cereal together. Set aside. Mix egg, applesauce (or other), brown sugar, and oil until well blended. Add wet mixture to dry until just combined. Stir in raisins or dried fruit. Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes 12 muffins