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Category: Breakfasts

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

 

Hollandaise:

3 Egg Yolks + 1 Whole Egg (if you are worried about raw eggs use pasteurized eggs)

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, Fresh

Zest of 1 Lemon

½ Teaspoon Real Salt

½ Cup Butter, Melted and Hot

 

Avocado Toast:

4 Eggs

1 Teaspoon White Balsamic Vinegar

4 Slices Black Forest or Applewood Smoked Bacon

4 Slices Good, Rustic Bread

2 Large Avocados, Sliced

Salt and Pepper, to Taste

 

Toppings (optional):

¼ Cup Red Onion, Sliced Thin

¼ Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved

Maldon Salt

 

Place the egg yolks and one whole egg in a small blender (such as the Magic Bullet. An immersion blender and a jar can also be used.) Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and hot butter, and immediately blend on high for 2 minutes. Hollandaise should be thick and pale yellow in color. Set aside.  Fill a medium saucepan ⅓ of the way full with water and bring to a simmer (do not boil). Add 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar to the water. Crack one egg into a small cup, then carefully place the cup down low to the water. Place the cup as close to the water as possible when adding the egg. (I submerge half of the cup into the water when placing the egg.) Finish adding the rest of the eggs and cook for 3-4 minutes or until egg whites are firm. Remove with a slotted spoon. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Toast bread in the oven until desired doneness is achieved. Remove from oven and top with avocado slices (approximately ½ avocado for each slice of bread). Top with bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, and optional toppings.

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

 

4 T. olive oil

1 bunch of spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

150g fresh herbs (use any combination of parsley, coriander, dill, chives, mint, tarragon), leaves only, finely chopped

100g spinach, very thinly sliced

½ tsp ground turmeric

6 medium eggs, beaten

1 T. plain flour

½ tsp sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

To serve (optional):

 

2 T. walnuts, chopped

1 fresh green chilli, thinly sliced

Method

 

Preheat the grill to medium. Heat half the olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the spring onions for 2–3 minutes until softened, then tip the oil and onions into a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and place over a medium heat. Pour in the mixture, cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes over a low heat until almost set, then place under the grill for 1–2 minutes to set the top. Serve topped with more freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of sea salt and the walnuts and chilli (if using).

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

 

The is a recipe for those times when you find the world’s best-looking tomato and you’re so excited to eat it, you don’t even have the patience to close your sandwich before taking a bite. It celebrates heavy-handed mayonnaise application, yolky dregs, and flaky salt.

 

 

2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

1 tsp. white vinegar

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. room-temperature water

1 cup safflower oil (or another neutral oil)

1/2 cup loosely packed basil and chives, very finely chopped (I like to blitz mine in a food processor, for ease); plus more for sprinkling

2 slices rustic, crusty bread

1 large ripe tomato (I like beefsteak), sliced roughly 1/2-inch thick

1 pinch each flaky salt and freshly ground pepper

1 T. olive oil for drizzling

 

Set a pot of water over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, gently add two eggs. Let them boil for six minutes exactly. Meanwhile, fill a bowl with ice and a large splash of cold water, and place it nearby. After six minutes, transfer the eggs to this ice bath. Make the herb mayonnaise. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, white vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, kosher salt, and water. While whisking like your life depends on it, begin to dribble in the oil a few drops at a time, checking that it’s fully distributed before adding more. Go slowly! Once you’ve added about a third of the oil this way, you’ll have the beginnings of a thick, creamy mayonnaise. Stream in the rest of the oil steadily, continuing to whisk frantically as you go. Once you’ve added all of the oil, fold in the herbs. Set aside as you prepare the other elements. (Note: Mayonnaise can be made a few days in advance and kept in the refrigerator—wait to chop and add the herbs until you’re ready to serve.) Toast the bread slices however you like (I prefer to do it in the stove at 450° F for 4 minutes). While the bread is toasting, peel the soft-boiled eggs in the ice bath. To compile your sandwich, slather one side of each piece of toast with herb mayo. Layer tomato slices on top, and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch each of flaky salt and pepper. Slice the soft-boiled eggs lengthwise and immediately layer on top of the tomatoes, so you don’t lose any yolky dregs! Garnish with a sprinkling of herbs, serve open-faced, and eat immediately.

DIY “Instant” Oatmeal

DIY “Instant” Oatmeal

DIY “Instant” Oatmeal

 

2 C. Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

½ C. dried Fruit, such as raisins or craisins, diced dried Apples or diced Dried Apricots

½ C. slivered or chopped Roasted Nuts

½ tsp. ground Cinnamon

 

Mix well and store in sealed container. When ready to make, scoop 1/3 C. mix into a deep bowl. Add 2/3 C. water and stir well. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, until water is absorbed and oats are tender. Oatmeal will thicken as it cools. If you prefer thicker oatmeal, scale back the water by 1-2 T. Add milk and/or maple syrup if desired.

Add fruit by season if desired

Fig Preserves & Buffalo Mozzarella Toast with Pink Peppercorn Salt

Fig Preserves & Buffalo Mozzarella Toast with Pink Peppercorn Salt

Fig Preserves & Buffalo Mozzarella Toast with Pink Peppercorn Salt

 

1 buffalo mozzarella ball, drained from its liquid

2 slices dried fruit country loaf

A few spoonfuls of fig preserves – blackberry or currant jams work nicely too

A few pinches of pink peppercorn salt – to your taste (see directions)

Good olive oil, for the toast

 

Pink peppercorn salt blend is as it sounds: mix together 2:1 pink peppercorns and French grey salt. With your fingers, gently rub the two together a bit to combine, so that the flaky pink shells intermingle throughout. Drizzle bread with olive oil and bake until golden in a toaster oven. If you don’t have one, use the regular oven set to 350°. It will take about 7-10 minutes to achieve golden crispness. Place toast on plates. Tear mozzarella into pieces and place onto toast. Spoon preserves on top, to your taste. At the table, sprinkle the pink peppercorn salt to finish, with extra available as needed.

Toast with Poached Egg a la Romana

Toast with Poached Egg a la Romana

Toast with Poached Egg a la Romana

 

1 cup meatless spaghetti sauce, of your choice

4 eggs

salt (optional)

pepper

4 slices toast

grated Romano cheese

 

Heat sauce in a skillet over medium heat. (If sauce is boiling, it is too hot–turn down the heat.). Carefully drop eggs one at a time into the sauce, season with salt and pepper, cover and let simmer 5 minutes. Transfer 1 egg and some sauce to each slice of toast and sprinkle top with cheese.

Black Pepper-Parmigiano Dutch Baby with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

Black Pepper-Parmigiano Dutch Baby with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

Black Pepper-Parmigiano Dutch Baby with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

 

1⅓ cups (186g) all-purpose flour

1 T. sugar

½ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper, divided

½ tsp. kosher salt, divided

6 large eggs

1 cup (240mL) whole milk

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 tsp. minced chives

½ tsp. minced fresh thyme

2 T. unsalted butter

1½ ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded (½ cup), divided

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if small or quartered if large

3 cups (85g) arugula

1 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 1 T. juice

 

Whisk flour, sugar, ¼ tsp. black pepper and ¼ tsp. salt in a large bowl. Whisk milk, eggs and 1 T. olive oil together in a second bowl. Whisk ⅔ of milk mixture into flour mixture until no lumps remain, then slowly whisk in remaining milk mixture until smooth. Add chives and thyme and whisk to combine. Leave whisk in batter and allow to rest. Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position, place a 12-inch cast-iron or other oven-safe nonstick skillet on the rack and set the oven to 425°F. When the oven is hot, add remaining butter to the skillet and return to the oven until foaming subsides and the butter is lightly browned, 30 to 60 seconds. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and swirl so the butter coats the bottom of the pan. Whisk batter one last time to combine, then pour into the skillet. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup Parmigiano. Bake until the pancake is puffed, and its top is well browned, 18 to 22 minutes. While Dutch baby bakes, place tomatoes, arugula, remaining olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and remaining salt and pepper in a bowl and toss to combine. Season with additional salt to taste. Add tomato salad to top of Dutch baby, garnish with remaining Parmigiano and serve.

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

 

4 eggs

¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup bacon, crumbled

¼ cup green onions or chives, sliced

Salt & black pepper, to taste

 

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Place the whites in a large mixing bowl and place each yolk in a separate small ramekin. (This makes it easier to add the yolks to your egg whites later.) Next use an electric mixer to beat your egg whites until stiff peaks form. (About 2 minutes.) Then gently fold in your parmesan cheese, bacon bits and green onion. Spoon 4 mounds of your egg white mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and make a small well in the center of each with the back of a spoon. Then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and place a yolk in the center of each well. Then return the pan back to the oven and cook for 3-5 more minutes or until the yolks are cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste then serve with extra sliced green onions sprinkled on top.

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

 

4 medium eggs

360 ml (1 1/2 cup) milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1 T. sugar

1 baguette

500 ml (2 cups) canola oil, for frying

 

2 T. sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

 

In a large baking dish combine milk, salt, cinnamon powder, and sugar. Beat with a whisk to combine. Cut the baguette into 2 cm (1-inch) slices. Soak the bread slices in the prepared egg mixture. Set aside for 2 minutes, then turn the bread and leave to soak for another 2 minutes per side. Pour oil into a deep skillet and place over medium heat. Cook until the oil reaches 170 °C / 340 °F then carefully add the bread in a single layer. Deep-fry in two alternations. Deep-fry for 3 minutes, then turn the french toast and continue to fry for another 3 minutes. Transfer the French toast to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. Repeat the process with the rest of the oil. Make the sugar coating. In a bowl combine sugar and cinnamon powder. Coat the warm French toast in cinnamon sugar and serve as soon as possible.

Breakfast Board

Breakfast Board

Breakfast Board

 

10 mini croissants

¼ C. smoked salmon dip

¼ C. honey Dijon mustard

10 soft boiled eggs

10 slices black forest ham, cut into smaller pieces

4 oz. Brie cheese

2 oz. sliced salami

10 mini banana nut muffins

2 C. black cherries

1 orange, sliced

 

On a 12×24″ board, fill 3 boards with cherries, mustard, and salmon dip. Arrange on one end the croissant rolls, meat, eggs, and muffins. Set down the cheese and orange slices. Serve!  Consider adding bacon, sausage or cheese. Mix and match muffins/pastry. Also, don’t hesitate to make substitutions like adding jam and butter, herbs, spinach artichoke dip, or other fruits.

Harissa Poached Eggs for One

Harissa Poached Eggs for One

Harissa Poached Eggs for One

 

1 T. (15 ml) olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. minced onion

1 /4 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth

1/4 cup (60 ml) canned tomatoes with green chiles (with juice)

2 tsp. (10 g) harissa paste

2 kalamata olives

2 pimento-stuffed green olives

3 eggs

2 T. (18 g) crumbled feta cheese

Chopped herbs for garnish

 

Coat your egg skillet with cooking spray and put it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or so. Then add the broth, tomatoes, and harissa paste. Stir it all up and bring to a simmer. Let cook for a minute while you quickly slice those olives and stir them in. Crack the eggs directly into the skillet, being careful not to break the yolks. Cover the skillet and let them poach until they are done to your liking—I like my whites done through but my yolks still runny, about 5 minutes. Plate, sprinkle the feta on top, and dig in.

 

1 SERVING with: 423 Calories; 34 g Fat (72.6% calories from fat); 21 g Protein; 8 g Carbohydrate; 1 g Dietary Fiber; 7 g Net Carbs

Strawberry & Brie French Toast Sandwich for Two

Strawberry & Brie French Toast Sandwich for Two

Strawberry & Brie French Toast Sandwich for Two

 

2 oz. Brie Cheese, sliced

4 slices Sandwich or Challah bread

¼ C. Strawberry Preserves or Strawberry Jam

2 large Eggs, beaten

2 tsp. Milk

Nonstick Cooking Spray

 

Divide the Brie slices between two of the slices of bread. Top with the strawberry preserves, then place the remaining bread slices on top. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Dunk the sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating both sides well. Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Serve hot.

Optional Finishing Touch: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the sandwiches before serving.

PBJ Smoothie for Two

PBJ Smoothie for Two

PBJ Smoothie for Two

 

1 ½ C. frozen berries (single types or a mix. Also can try mango or peach)

1 1/2 c low-fat Milk

1 banana

2 T peanut butter

2 T. Honey

1 Scoop Protein Powder, If desired.

 

Optional Toppings

granola

fresh strawberries

peanut butter drizzle

 

Place all ingredients in blender and combine until smooth.

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

 

1 sheet quality puff pastry dough

1 pound leeks or spring onions or a combination, well-rinsed

3 T. unsalted butter

⅔ C. heavy cream

2 T. fresh tarragon, chopped, divided

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped, divided

2 T. fresh chives, chopped Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces chèvre (goat cheese), crumbled

4 large fresh farm eggs, plus 1 for egg wash

2 T. milk for egg wash

Water

1 T. white vinegar

 

Remove puff pastry from freezer so it can soften slightly while you cook the onions. Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the leeks or spring onions. Melt butter in a large sauté pan, add leeks or onions and cook over low-medium heat, stirring often, 30–40 minutes or until soft and golden. Add cream, 1 T. each chopped fresh herbs (reserving remainder for garnish). Season with salt and pepper. Stir and simmer over low heat, 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside (or refrigerate up to 1 day). Preheat oven to 425°. Roll out puff pastry sheet on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 4 equal rounds using a large biscuit cutter or 4-inch inverted bowl. Place puff pastry rounds onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick each pastry with a fork to prevent uneven cooking. Whisk 1 egg with milk to create an egg wash, and brush lightly onto pastry. Divide onion mixture onto pastry rounds and top each with goat cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. (If pastry rises unevenly during cooking, push down gently with a fork while still warm.) Set aside in a warm place. Fill large saucepan with water, add white vinegar and bring to a simmer. Crack eggs into four individual dishes, taking care not to break the yolk. Slide eggs, 1 at a time, into simmering water. Gently cook each egg until desired doneness, or about 4 minutes for a slightly runny yolk. Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry. To serve, place each egg atop a warm onion tart, sprinkle with remaining chopped herbs and enjoy.

Mocha Morning Blast Smoothie

Mocha Morning Blast Smoothie

Mocha Morning Blast Smoothie

 

1/2 cup (120 ml) canned coconut milk, chilled

1 /4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened pourable coconut milk, chilled

1/4 avocado, ripe, chilled (frozen chunk?)

1 T. (5 g) cocoa powder

1 T. (8 g) vanilla whey protein powder

1 tsp. instant coffee

18 drops chocolate-flavored liquid stevia

9 drops vanilla-flavored liquid stevia

 

Put it all in the blender. Run the blender, scraping the sides once or twice to make sure your cocoa powder and coffee crystals aren’t sticking there, until you’ve got a super-thick, smooth shake. Pom into a car cup and hit the streets. Dare yourself to feel deprived!

Peach and Sour Cream Pancakes

Peach and Sour Cream Pancakes

Peach and Sour Cream Pancakes

 

1 large egg

1 cup (8 ounces or 230 grams) sour cream

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

2 T. (25 grams) sugar

1/4 tsp. table salt

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground nutmeg

¾ cup (95 grams) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Butter, for pan

1 peach, halved, pitted, and very thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch slices)

 

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Whisk the egg, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar together in the bottom of a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Fold dry ingredients into wet, mixing until just combined and still a little lumpy. Heat your skillet or sauté pan to medium-low. A cast-iron skillet is my favorite to use for pancakes but if you don’t have one, just use your heaviest skillet for best browning. Melt a pat of butter in the bottom of the pan, and ladle 1/4 cup batter at a time, leaving at least 2 inches between pancakes. Arrange two peach slices over the batter. Don’t worry if they are bigger than the batter puddle, because the pancake will spread as it cooks. When the pancakes are dry around the edges and you can see bubbles forming on the top, after about 3 to 4 minutes, get your spatula all the way underneath the pancake-and-peach puddle, and flip it in one quick movement. If any peaches try to slide out from underneath, nudge them back where they belong.

Waffles Rancheros

Waffles Rancheros

Waffles Rancheros

 

1 tsp olive oil

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp finely chopped seeded jalapeno

1 cup flour

¾ cup masa harina

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp sugar

½ tsp salt

1¾ C. whole milk

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

 

1 tsp olive oil

½ cup minced onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14-oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry

1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 canned chipotle pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp fresh lime juice

¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Fried eggs

Queso fresco cheese, crumbled

Avocado, diced or sliced

 

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a medium sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for several minutes until onion is translucent. Add the beans, drained tomatoes, chipotle pepper, cumin and lime juice. Warm on medium heat. Add the cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a small sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for several minutes until onion is translucent. Add the jalapeno. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, masa harina, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs and cooled melted butter. Add onion mixture to wet mixture. Fold wet mixture into the dry mixture. Heat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. Make waffles based on size of iron. Top each warm waffle with black beans, a fried egg, avocado and crumbled queso fresco cheese.

Polenta-Baked Eggs with Corn, Tomato and Fontina

Polenta-Baked Eggs with Corn, Tomato and Fontina

Polenta-Baked Eggs with Corn, Tomato and Fontina

 

2 C. (475 ml) water

1/2 cup (70 grams) fine polenta or yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup (60 grams) fresh corn kernels, from 1 small cob (or use frozen, defrosted)

1/2 cup (55 grams) coarsely grated fontina, plus 3 T. for sprinkling

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T. (30 grams) sour cream or creme fraiche

1/4 cup (60 grams) prepared tomato sauce or tomato puree

4 large eggs

Fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives, for garnish

 

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring the water to a simmer in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in the polenta, trying to avoid lumps then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, stirring almost constantly, for 15 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels, and cook for 5 minutes more, continuing to stir regularly. Add Vi cup cheese and stir until melted; then season well with salt and pepper. Add the sour cream and stir until partially combined. (I like to leave a few creamy bits throughout.) Coat a 1-quart baking dish or an 8-to-8‘/2-inch oven-safe skillet with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the polenta to the dish, then dollop with spoonfuls of tomato; swirl them unevenly into the polenta, so that there are pockets of tomato throughout. Smooth the top of the polenta and use a spoon to make four deep wells and crack an egg into each hole. Sprinkle the whole dish with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with the 3 T. cheese. Bake in the heated oven until the whites are firm and the yolks are runny; you can check progress by inserting a toothpick into the whites to see if they’ve firmed up. If you plan to serve this dish more than a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, remove the eggs from the polenta before they are done, because otherwise they will continue to cook in the hot polenta. If you’d like it to be a little brown on top, run the pan under your broiler when the eggs are only halfway as cooked as you like. Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve with a spoon.

Apricot Breakfast Crisp

Apricot Breakfast Crisp

Apricot Breakfast Crisp

 

1 pound apricots

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon flour

Grated fresh nutmeg, a pinch

 

1/2 stick butter, melted

6 tablespoons turbinado or regular sugar

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons sliced almonds

 

Prepare fruit: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pull apart apricots at their seam, remove pits, and tear them one more time into quarters, placing them in a small baking dish (one that holds two to three cups is ideal). Stir in sugar, flour and pinch of nutmeg. Make topping: Melt butter and stir in sugar, then oats, then flour, salt and almonds until large clumps form. Sprinkle mixture over the fruit. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes and serve warm. Although you could dust this with powdered sugar and serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert, as I noted, it is on the tart side for an after-dinner treat. Truly, this excels cooled in the fridge overnight, and mixed with a scoop of plain yogurt for a weekday breakfast that will cure you of all weekday breakfast doldrums. It sure did for me.

Baked Oatmeal with Caramelized Pears and Vanilla Cream

Baked Oatmeal with Caramelized Pears and Vanilla Cream

Baked Oatmeal with Caramelized Pears and Vanilla Cream

 

Vanilla Sugar

1/2 C. + 2 T. sugar

1/2 vanilla bean

 

Pears:

3 pears (Anjou, Bartletts or Forelle), peeled, cored, and sliced in half

2 T. butter

1 lemon

 

Vanilla Cream:

1 C. heavy cream

2 T. prepared vanilla sugar

Vanilla Pod

 

Oatmeal:

1 C. milk

1 C. water

2 T. melted butter

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp. baking powder

3 C. rolled oats

(lemon zest)

 

To finish

1 C. Heavy Cream or half and Half

 

Place the sugar in a small bowl. Split the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the sugar, and use your fingertips to distribute the seeds throughout; the abrasion helps release more flavor. Save the pod: there’s tons more flavor to be had, and we’re going to use it. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. While it’s heating, place butter in a 9-by-l 3-inch or equivalent-sized baking dish in the oven to let it melt. Finely grate the zest of half of your lemon and set it aside; you’ll use it later. Juice the whole lemon, you’ll use it now. Peel the pears, split them lengthwise, and remove cores and any thick-looking stems. Toss the pears with the lemon juice. Remove the baking dish with melted butter from the oven, and sprinkle 1/2 cup vanilla sugar into it. Arrange the pears, cut side down, over the sugar, and drizzle with any lemon juice left in bowl. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes. While pears are baking, whisk the milk, water, butter, eggs, salt, and reserved zest together in a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking powder over these and stir to combine; add oats and stir again. Use a thin spatula to turn the pears over carefully, spooning as much sauce from the pan over the pears as they will hold. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Dollop the oat mixture around the pears in the pan. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pears are soft and the oatmeal edges are golden brown. Meanwhile, make vanilla cream. Bring the cream, remaining 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar, and reserved empty vanilla bean pod to a simmer in a saucepan. Simmer 5 minutes, reducing to 3/4 cup. Chill the mixture if you prefer cold cream on your hot oatmeal (i.e., if you’re me). Scoop one pear half and its surrounding oatmeal into a bowl, and drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla cream. Refrigerate leftovers until needed, up to one week, warming one portion at a time.

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

 

¼ cup sugar (I used turbinado raw sugar)

½ cup water

1 star anise

3 whole cloves

3 whole allspice

⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Lavender leaves and flowers (optional)

3 cups assorted citrus fruit (I used pink grapefruit, grapefruit and navel oranges)

 

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Add the star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, dried red pepper flakes and lavender leaves if available.  Boil for 2 minutes, watching carefully so as not to burn.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Peel the citrus fruit, removing all the pith and seeds.  Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a glass bowl; pour spiced syrup over all, stir to mix. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours.  Serve in a clear bowl to show off the pretty colors.  Garnish with fresh lavender flowers.

Pistachio Muffins

Pistachio Muffins

Pistachio Muffins

 

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3.4 oz box pistachio instant pudding mix

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

Coarse sugar for the tops if desired

 

Optional: ¼ c. chopped pistachios (add to batter)

 

Preheat oven to 425° F. Line muffin tins with muffin liners (I used parchment paper liners (link in recipe card) and they worked great). In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, almond extract, and milk until fully combined and fluffy. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and stir, just until mixed together. Lumps are okay. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each cavity 3/4 of the way full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using. Bake at 425° for 6 minutes, then reduce the heat in the oven to 350° and continue cooking another 11-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Allow muffins to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin and transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

 

5 eggs

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/4 cup milk

6 slices of bacon crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Pour 1.5 cups water into the Instant Pot. Add eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk to a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and combined. Divide bacon crumbles evenly between egg molds. Pour egg mixture over bacon. Place silicon egg mold onto the trivet and carefully lower into the Instant Pot. Place foil loosely over the top. Set the Instant Pot to Steam for 8 minutes, Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then quick release any remaining pressure.  The egg bites may puff up a bit and look like they are going to pop out of the mold, this is normal, they will settle back down into the mold,

Marinara Cheesy Baked Eggs

Marinara Cheesy Baked Eggs

Marinara Cheesy Baked Eggs

 

1 cup marinara sauce

4 large eggs

1/4 cup fat free or low-fat milk

1/4 cup shredded gruyere cheese

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup basil leaves, chiffonade

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil two 10-ounce ramekins or coat with nonstick spray. Divide marinara sauce evenly into the ramekins. Top with eggs, milk, gruyere and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place into oven and bake until egg whites are cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Serve immediately, garnished with basil leaves, if desired.

Cucumber Avocado Toast

Cucumber Avocado Toast

Cucumber Avocado Toast

 

2 pieces sourdough bread, toasted

2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar

½ teaspoon Soy Sauce

1 teaspoon Sesame Oil

½ lime, juiced

1 teaspoon olive oil

¼ cucumber, thinly sliced with a mandolin

1 avocado, thinly slices

½ teaspoon sesame seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

 

As your bread is toasting, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and olive oil into a bowl and add the cucumber, tossing to coat. Allow this to sit for 3-5 minutes. Once the toast is toasted to your liking, fan half of the avocado onto each piece of toast. Place marinated cucumber ribbons onto the avocado and drizzle remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and sesame seeds to your taste.

Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries

Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries

Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries

 

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 ½ tsp. kosher salt

3 large eggs, separated

1 ¾ cups plus 2 T. milk

6 oz. ricotta cheese (1/2 cup plus 2 T.)

¼ cup sugar

1 T. pure vanilla extract

Unsalted butter, for the griddle

1 pint fresh blueberries or 2 cups frozen blueberries, thawed

Pure maple syrup, for serving

 

In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk, ricotta, sugar and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites at medium speed until frothy. Beat at high speed until soft peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Preheat the oven to 225°F. Heat a griddle, then lightly butter it. For each pancake, ladle ¼ cup of the batter onto the griddle; be sure to leave enough space between the pancakes. Cook over medium low heat until the bottoms are golden and the pancakes are just beginning to set, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle each pancake with a few blueberries and press lightly. Flip the pancakes and cook until golden on the bottom and cooked through, about 1 minute longer. Transfer the pancakes to plates and keep them warm in the oven while you make the rest. Serve the pancakes with maple syrup.

Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Scallions

Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Scallions

Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Scallions

5-6 oz. breakfast turkey sausage patties or links, diced or finely diced
8 large eggs
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
6 drops hot pepper sauce
2 tsp. butter

Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook until heated through, 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, break the eggs into a bowl, and beat lightly with a fork.  Stir in the scallions, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Melt the butter in the skillet with the sausage over medium low heat.  Pour in the eggs. Cook, stirring almost continuously, until the eggs are set but still soft and creamy, 6-8 minutes. Serve hot.

To make this suitable for a no chew diet, finely dice or omit the sausage.  Do no overcook the eggs.

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

 

8 Perfect 7-Minute Eggs

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. maple syrup

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large head romaine lettuce, or 2 small heads Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and torn into big pieces Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

If your eggs have been in the fridge, peel them and put them in a large bowl of lukewarm water to let them come to room temperature while you cook the bacon. (Change out the water if it gets too cold). Dry the eggs with a clean kitchen towel and slice them in half. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s crispy and a good amount of fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and maple syrup. Keep whisking while you stream in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with 2 T. of the maple vinaigrette. Divide the romaine among four shallow bowls. Divide the bacon among the bowls and put four egg halves on each salad. Season each egg half with a little kosher salt. Grind a generous amount of pepper over each salad and serve with extra vinaigrette on the side. Alternatively, pack the undressed salads into four separate containers, and take to work with a bit of dressing on the side.

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

 

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups kale, roughly chopped and packed

¼ cup pine nuts

¼ cup olive oil

¼ tsp. kosher salt

4 strips bacon, fried and cut in half

 

1 lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ to 2 oz.)

3 T. bacon fat, reserved from frying bacon

⅛ tsp. kosher salt

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper

 

2 T. unsalted butter

2 slices of thick cut white bread, sliced into 6 “sticks” (see photos)

1 T. olive oil

 

3 T. butter

1 tsp. garlic, minced

4 eggs

 

Combine garlic, kale and pine nuts, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until roughly combined. With food processor running, stream in olive oil. Whisk together lemon juice, bacon fat, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined. In the pan used to fry bacon, melt butter over medium heat. Add bread and toast on all sides until golden brown and crispy.  In a small frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Fry garlic until it starts to turn golden brown, for about 4-5 minutes. Crack two of the eggs into the pan and use a small spoon to baste the eggs with the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook until whites are firm, about 2-3 minutes. Remove eggs from pan and cook the remaining two eggs in the same method. Serve eggs with bacon and kale pesto and a drizzle of vinaigrette on top. Enjoy!

Savory Gruyere Custard

Savory Gruyere Custard

Savory Gruyere Custard

2 oz/55 g Gruyere cheese

2 oz/55 g Parmesan or Pecorino cheese

2 C./500 mL 35% cream

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 garlic clove

3 eggs

3 egg yolks

½ tsp. Dry Mustard

Salt and pepper

 

Assemble, prepare, and measure ingredients. Grate both cheeses. Preheat oven to 300°F/150°C. Lightly butter four l-cup/250 mL ramekins or a 1-quart/l L baking dish. In a small saucepan, warm cream over medium-low heat with thyme and garlic until steam rises. Remove from heat and allow to infuse and cool while you make the eggs. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and yolks with mustard (or cayenne) and salt and pepper. Stir in grated cheeses. Strain cream through a fine-mesh sieve and whisk into egg mixture. Pour custard mixture into ramekins (or baking dish) and place in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water around dishes to come halfway up their sides. Be careful not to splash any water into the custards, as you want them to be creamy and silken, not watery. Bake for 30 -45 minutes, or until center is just set. Custards in ramekins will cook more quickly than those in a single baking dish. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.  To serve, place ramekins on individual plates or scoop out servings from larger baking dish.

Ramps on Grits

Ramps on Grits

Ramps on Grits

 

1 cup stone ground white grits

3 C. water

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated

2 T. olive oil

8 ramps

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 T. unsalted butter

4 eggs

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

In a medium pot, bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat. Stir in the grits and pepper, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Once the grits are cooked, stir in the cheese and distribute among 4 bowls. Roughly chop the white parts of the ramps. Cut the leaves crosswise into 1/8″ slivers and set aside. In a large, heavy-bottom pan set over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ramp whites, salt, and pepper. Cook until the ramps begin to brown, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ramp leaves and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add the white wine and immediately cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple minutes to steam the ramp leaves. Distribute among the 4 bowls. Return the pan to medium-high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, add the butter, then the eggs. Let the eggs fry for about 30 seconds–just long enough to season with salt and pepper–then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and remove from heat. Let sit for 3-4 minutes. Distribute the eggs among the 4 bowls and serve.

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast Sausage

 

2 Lb. Ground pork

1 T. Brown sugar

2 tsp. Dried sage

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

1/4 tsp. Dried marjoram

1/8 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes

1 pinch ground cloves

 

Combine all ingredients by hand in a bowl. Form mixture into 1/4″ thick patties. Brown patties in a large skillet over medium high heat for 5 minutes on each side.

Instant Pot Breakfast Shakshuka with Feta and Dill

Instant Pot Breakfast Shakshuka with Feta and Dill

Instant Pot Breakfast Shakshuka with Feta and Dill

 

1 T. unsalted butter, room temperature, or olive oil

3 cups Quick Pomodoro Sauce or prepared marinara sauce

Pinch of red pepper flakes

¼ tsp. ground cumin

8 large eggs

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

 

Perfect Toast

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

Caper berries

¼ cup (packed) torn fresh dill

Extra-virgin olive oil

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Brush the bottom of the inner pot of the pressure cooker with the butter. Add the sauce, red pepper flakes, and cumin and stir to combine. Crack 8 eggs (1 or 2 per person) into the sauce. Lock on the lid and Pressure Cook on low pressure for 1 minute. Immediately release the pressure manually (to prevent the eggs from overcooking) and open the lid. Check the yolks; if you like a firmer yolk, turn off the heat, re-cover with the lid (but don’t lock it), and let the eggs sit for 1 to 2 minutes more, until set. Open the lid and sprinkle the feta over the top of the eggs to warm it. Spoon the sauce, eggs, and feta into shallow bowls or over the toast and sprinkle with shallot, caper berries and dill.  Drizzle with Olive oil if desired and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and pepper.

Instant Pot Veggie Bacon Crustless Quiche

Instant Pot Veggie Bacon Crustless Quiche

Instant Pot Veggie Bacon Crustless Quiche

 

1/2 cup (50g) shredded Parmesan, divided

1/4 cup (30g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup (28g) shredded provolone or gruyere, divided

2 T. (28 g) grass fed butter or ghee (plus more as needed)

1 cup (70g) thinly sliced or chopped mushrooms

2 cups (60g) pre-washed fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

5 large eggs

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. granulated garlic

7 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

zest of one lemon

1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 cup (240ml) water

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine parmesan, cheddar and provolone, set aside

 

Add the butter to Instant Pot and press “sauté “. Once butter has melted, add the mushrooms and sauté for seven minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly caramelized. Add the spinach and sauté for three minutes, stirring occasionally, just until wilted. Pres the “keep warm/cancel” button. Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with lid that fits inside the Instant Pot and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream and cream cheese until eggs are fully incorporated. Add salt, garlic, bacon, lemon zest, parsley, three quarters of the cheese mixture and the mushroom mixture, gently stirring to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place lid on baking dish.   Pour water into the Instant Pot, place Instant Pot Trivet into the Instant Pot. Carefully transfer baking dish to Instant Pot on top of the trivet. Place lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the steam release valve is sealed. Press the ‘manual’ button and set timer for 25 minutes. When Instant Pot beeps, press warm/cancel. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for ten minutes. Using and oven mitt “quick release” the steam release valve. When the steam stops venting, and silver dial drops, carefully open lid.  Carefully remove dish from the Instant Pot and remove lid from the dish. Next add the remaining reserved cheese mixture to the top of the quiche and either place quiche back into the Instant Pot with the lid on or place under a preheated broiler in the oven for three minutes or until cheese is slightly brown.  Allow quiche to rest for 15 minutes.  Note: if your baking dish does not have a lid, you can cover the top with parchment paper then secure the edges with aluminum foil

Instant Pot Saucy Beans & Eggs

Instant Pot Saucy Beans & Eggs

Instant Pot Saucy Beans & Eggs

 

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves, smashed or thinly sliced

½ tsp. cumin seeds (optional)

3 cups cooked pinto beans or white beans; or canned beans, rinsed and drained

1¼ to 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

½ tsp. fine sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 large eggs

 

Extra-virgin olive oil Chopped fresh mint

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Freshly ground black pepper

Garlicky Pistou, optional

Perfect Toast , optional

 

Place the olive oil, garlic, and cumin seeds in the inner pot of a pressure cooker and set to the Sauté function. Cook about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the beans, broth, salt, and some pepper and continue on the Sauté setting to soften the beans until the mixture is saucy, stirring the beans occasionally to release their starches and thicken the sauce, about 4 minutes. Crack the eggs into the beans and cook on the Sauté setting until the whites are just starting to set, 1 to 2 minutes. Cover the pot (don’t lock), turn off the heat, and let the eggs continue to cook until the whites are fully set and the yolks are soft and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes more, depending on how firm you like your yolks.  Open the lid and spoon the beans and eggs into shallow bowls or serve over toast, drizzled with some olive oil and sprinkled with the mint, salt and pepper.  Serve with a dollop of pistou, if desired.

 

 

Garlicky Pistou

 

The foundation of a perfect pistou is fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and grating cheese (often parmesan), the last added for body and a perfect salty-umami finish. Use whatever fine grating cheese you have on hand: parmesan, pecorino, or aged Manchego all work, as does a nutty, semi-firm cheese like Gruyere. You can make the pistou loose and shaggy, like a gremolata, but for most soups I love it blended to a creamy green paste in a food processor. Try also stirring the pistou into creamy soups,

 

1 large bunch basil (about 2 packed cups)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (2 ounces)

3 garlic cloves

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. fine sea salt

1 to 3 tsp. hot water

 

Combine the basil, cheese, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a small food processor or a blender and pulse to roughly chop. Add the hot water, 1 tsp. at a time, to get the blade moving, and blend to make a smooth paste. You want it a touch runnier than a pesto but thick enough to easily dollop with a spoon. Refrigerate the pistou for up to 5 days in an airtight container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain the green color.

 

 

 

Perfect Toast

 

There’s something otherworldly about a slice of sourdough bread that’s been skillet-toasted in butter and olive oil (yes, both, the butter sizzles and seeps into the bread, while the oil, which can handle higher heat, helps the edges brown).  For every 2 to 3 pieces of toast, heat 1 T. each butter and extra-virgin olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat (have extra butter and oil handy for toasting the other side – how much you need depends on the bread and how buttery you like your toast). Add thick slices of sourdough, whole wheat, or baguette, and cook until toasted and golden, and the bread is starting to soak up the fat, about 3 minutes.  Flip, adding another T. each butter and oil, and cook until edges are golden but interior is still soft, 2 minutes more.

Garden Skillet with Sausage and Eggs

Garden Skillet with Sausage and Eggs

Garden Skillet with Sausage and Eggs

 

½ pound sausage,  bulk or removed from casings

Olive oil

1 medium (about 8 ounces) zucchini or summer squash, thickly grated or julienned

1 small bell pepper, julienned (color of choice or a mix)

1 large (~10-12 ounces) bunch kale, tough stems stripped away and sliced into thin strips or chopped (may mix and match dark leafy greens of choice)

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1-2 eggs per person, according to appetite

Optional for serving: Chopped avocado; cooked quinoa, rice, or grain of choice; freshly grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or your favorite cheese; chopped nuts and/or seeds; crusty bread or roll

 

In a large, lightly oiled skillet (I use my 12-inch cast iron skillet), sauté the sausage over medium-high heat until beginning to brown, crumbling as you go. (Look for some nice golden color, but it doesn’t have to be cooked through yet.) Drizzle in a T. of olive oil (and a sprinkling of spice, if using – see notes), and add the zucchini and bell pepper. Spread into an even layer along with the sausage, and sear the mixture for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and spreading back out, or until cooked to your liking. (If your skillet becomes dry, add another drizzle of olive oil.) Season with a little salt and pepper, and then add the kale in batches, tossing gently to rotate the top layer down. As the kale wilts, add more until you have added it all to the pan. At this point I drizzle in another T. or so of olive oil and add another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing the mixture as you go, until the kale is wilted. Once the kale is tender, make an indentation for each egg, and crack an egg into each one. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking. If you prefer a firmer top, cover the pan for a minute or two or run briefly under the broiler, watching closely to avoid burning. Optionally, you could scramble the eggs into the vegetable mixture, if preferred. Remove the pan from the heat and serve as is or over optional cooked grain of choice. We often serve over quinoa and top with chopped avocado and salted pumpkin seeds. YUM!

Sesame Bagels with Avocado, Burrata, and Raspberries

Sesame Bagels with Avocado, Burrata, and Raspberries

Sesame Bagels with Avocado, Burrata, and Raspberries

 

2 sesame seed bagels, halved

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 slices deli salami

One or two 4 oz. balls burrata cheese

½ C. fresh raspberries

Honey, for drizzling

1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

6 fresh basil leaves, torn

2 Perfectly Poached Eggs

Directions

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the bagels on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Rub each with ½ T. of the olive oil. Arrange the salami on the baking sheet around the bagels. Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salami is crisp—watch closely, as it will cook fast toward the end! Remove the baking sheet from the oven and break the burrata over each bottom bagel half. Top with fresh raspberries and drizzle with honey. Add the salami and avocado and season with salt and pepper. Add the basil and top each with an egg. Finish with the top halves of the bagels.

Soufflé Omelet with Spinach, Artichokes, and Brie

Soufflé Omelet with Spinach, Artichokes, and Brie

Soufflé Omelet with Spinach, Artichokes, and Brie

 

Whipping the egg whites separately from the yolks creates the fluffiest, lightest omelet you’ll ever taste. Add on creamy brie, artichokes, spinach, a handful of blueberries and a drizzle of honey and you won’t want to eat omelets any other way.

 

3 large eggs, separated

¼ C. whole milk or heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3 T. unsalted butter

¼ C. marinated artichokes, quartered

Handful of baby spinach

2 oz. Brie cheese, thinly sliced (rind on or off)

½ C. honey

Pinch of flaky sea salt

Fresh blueberries, for serving

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs yolks, milk, and a pinch each of kosher salt and pepper until combined. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture until just combined. It is okay if the mixture is not completely smooth; just be careful not to deflate the whites. In a 10- to 12-inch skillet, melt 1 T. of the butter over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook without moving until the top of the egg just begins to set, about 4 minutes. Add the artichokes, spinach, and Brie to one side of the omelet, cover the skillet, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the cheese just begins to melt. Carefully fold over the empty side of the omelet to enclose the filling and cook for 1 minute more. Remove the pan from the heat and slide the omelet onto a plate. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 T. of butter with the honey over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in a pinch of flaky salt. Drizzle the omelet with the honey butter and top with blueberries.

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes

 

1½ C. all purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal

3 T. sugar

1½ tsp. baking powder

1½ tsp. baking soda

1¼ tsp. kosher salt

2½ C. buttermilk

2 large eggs

3 T. butter, melted

1½ C. fresh blueberries

Vegetable oil (I used coconut oil and really liked the taste and results)

 

Heat oven to 300º to keep pancakes warm. Whisk first 6 dry ingredients together in a bowl. Make a well in center, pour the buttermilk into the well and then crack the two eggs into the buttermilk. Pour the melted butter into mixture. Start in the center and whisk toward the outside of the bowl until all is incorporated. Do not overmix, lumps are totally expected and just fine. Coat blueberries in 1 tsp. of flour and add to cornmeal batter. Heat a large skillet, griddle or cast iron pan on low heat for about 5 minutes. Turn heat up to medium and add 1 T. oil. Ladle ⅓ cup batter into skillet, and repeat, being careful not to crowd pancakes. (I could fit 3 on my griddle.) Carefully flip pancakes when full of bubbles and bottoms are nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes on other side until lightly browned. Remove pancakes to wire rack inside a baking sheet and keep in oven until all pancakes are done and ready to serve. Add more oil as necessary. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, and serve with butter and pure maple syrup. Enjoy.

Queen’s Puffs

Queen’s Puffs

Queen’s Puffs

 

About 2 T. vegetable oil, divided

About 3 C. mashed potatoes

12 ounces breakfast sausage links

5 ounces baby spinach leaves

12 large eggs

1/3 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

¾ tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves

¼ C. chopped green onions

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

 

Heat oven to 375° with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Oil a 9- by 13-in. baking dish with 1 T. oil. Drop 1/2-C. scoops of mashed potatoes into dish, spaced about 2 in. apart. Heat remaining 1 T. oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook sausage, turning often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Scatter cooked sausage in pan, laying over and between potato mounds. Add spinach to frying pan and wilt, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute. Sprinkle spinach over sausage. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl until broken up. Whisk in flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, and onions. Pour mixture over sausage and potatoes. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake until potatoes are bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

 

8 servings, 373 calories; fat 28g; fiber 1.4g