Spring is often associated with eggs. That's funny to me because eggs are available all year long. What I didn't realize is that many chickens slow down or completely stop producing eggs in the cold weather to conserve their own energy. As consumers, we just know that when we go to the store, it's there. That doesn't sit well with me. I do not care for the disconnect between what I purchase in the store and what I really know about it and it's origins. We all know that eggs represent birth and new beginnings and that is why they are associated with Spring.
Eggs are one of those super hot topics lately. Everyone is talking about how expensive they are. Which ones do I buy?
I've done a lot of reading about which eggs I prefer and why because our family eats a lot of eggs. I wish I had a local farmer to purchase from, but I do not. I choose to buy what ends up being the most expensive eggs in the store. I'll tell you why and link to a study from Penn State that breaks down the mystery a bit. It basically states that pasture raised eggs have double the amount of Vitamin E and long- chain omega- 3 foods as well as more than twice the amount of total omega-3 fatty acids.
Are eggs good for you or bad? More questions about eggs. Eggs are the perfect food. Because of that, I believe we should be eating them. Not every day. But on a rotational basis. Why are they the perfect food? According to Registered Dietitian Mackenzie McCune-
“Eggs are a great source of a complete protein,” according to McCune. “That means one egg contains six grams of protein and all the essential amino acids your body needs. Your body is able to absorb all these essential amino acids which in turn help to lower blood pressure, optimize bone health and increase muscle mass.” (Reference)
One large egg contains roughly 13 essential vitamins, minerals and high quality protein packed into just 70 calories.
How to eat your eggs is an endless discussion. Scrambled, fried, boiled, shirred, cocotte, in a basket, strata, as a sandwich. In a burrito. It's obvious that eggs are a fabulous food people have always loved.
I stumbled upon what was my favorite way to eat them for quite some time. I had a friend make them for us on vacation for me for the first time and I was in love! I decided to come home and adapt the recipe quite a bit and came up with what I call Breakfast Bake. There were many Christmas Eve's that this dish went into the refrigerator. I would pop it into the oven on Christmas morning to take out the stress of making a meal during the gift opening time.
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Look at that intense orange color from the pasture raised eggs!
Spray a small ceramic dish. Place the torn bread pieces into the bottom of the dish. Cover the bread with the hash browns. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the potatoes. Lay the slices of bacon on top. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and back until bacon is brown and crisp. The telltale sign that the dish is fully cooked, is that the eggs will created a domed rounded appearance. This will fall once then come out of the oven and cool. I also choose to drain any fat that has risen to the surface of the dish from the bacon.
Since inheriting my grandmothers recipes, along with many treasured family heirloom recipes, I have loved comparing how they prepared food and the ingredients used. See the opening image for this recipe.
The ingredients can be just about anything you want them to be. Omit things, add things. Herbs, seasonings, cheeses. Go gluten free and leave out the bread.
Meals are memories. Those memories create our cravings and desires. How do we remember someone we love making those recipes? What were we celebrating at that restaurant when we ate a meal we can't get out of our mind?
In my childhood memories breakfast is often remembered at my grandparents house. Once there were other grandchildren, my grandparents would have us all over for sleepovers. Those Saturday morning breakfasts should have been chaos. Seven children around the table shouting- "More bacon please!" "I need grape juice!" But I will tell you that I have no memory of that. I have only a recollection of two people like expertise wait staff going from one child to next filling orders with huge smiles on their faces. There was no end to the pancakes. You ate until you were full, not when patience or supplies ran out, because they did not. I cannot tell you what type of eggs I ate, what the pancakes tasted like. I was so enthralled with the family dynamics. I was thrilled to be at that table sandwiched in between such love.
Now my favorite way to eat eggs are as a sandwich. My husband and I love to have what we call Brinner. Breakfast for dinner.
However you eat your eggs, I urge you to eat eggs. Gobble them up, they are the goodness of life!
All images copyright@MichellePatrickPhotographyLLC
