It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where I’m going with today’s post.
Before we get to that, I have to show you something first. I took these pictures on the way back from the gym yesterday afternoon. The weather people said it was going to be sixteen degrees here in Cleveland. They lied. Those bastards.
Back to what I promise will be an “egg”-cellent edition of What I Ate Wednesday.
Let me start by saying, eggs have gotten a bad rap. High cholesterol. Not necessarily. Bad fats. Hardly.
I’m going to share with you what I do know about eggs, and I’m going to do it in bullet points because that’s where it’s at (for me anyway).
- Eggs are a great source of protein.
- Eggs are also low in fat. Two thirds of the fat comes from good fats, and we all need these. At least if we want shiny and glossy hair, like in the magazines. I guess you could take prenatal vitamins too, but wouldn’t you rather eat an egg.
- Eggs help keep your eyes in check because they are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants, which have been shown to ward off macular degeneration.
- Eggs are chock full of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, potassium and many B vitamins like folic acid, choline and biotin.
- Choline is great for the health of your nerves and your brain. You might be able to get the same results from a good cocktail, but keep in mind, high amounts of choline has also been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer (Eat an Egg; Save the Tatas).
Here’s the best part. All of this nutritional goodness, or at least the vast majority of it, is stored in the egg yolk. So stop pitching those beautiful babies and instead slurp them down, preferably with a piece of whole grain bread.
Want More Egg-Cellent Knowledge:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/health-benefits-of-eggs.htm
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/benefits-of-eggs
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=60421
As much as I’d like to say all eggs are equal, it’s simply not true. I won’t get into the nitty gritty and often horrific and grotesque details (not today, anyway), but please try to buy organic and pastured when possible. It’s best for the bird, the planet, and your nutritional needs. I won’t sugarcoat it; it’s not great for the wallet, but in this case, you get what you pay for. You’re buying quality, people.
If you want to know the difference between all the types of eggs you see in stores now, check out Kristy’s post on the topic because she sums it up quite nicely. Now that I’ve yakked your ear off about the glory of eggs, let’s get to it.
Happy What I Ate Wednesday, my nearest and dearest.
I’m pretty sure it’s clear by now. Today’s post is sponsored by my love of eggs, but it’s also hosted by the lovely and animal friendly, Ms. Jenn at Peas and Crayons. Let’s give a warm and welcoming round of applause for Jenn, her WIAW link ups, and her love of all things furry. While I support the incredible edible egg, I also respect the animal behind them. Really, I have a thing for all animals, and since Jenn has a house full of them (excluding Paul, of course), she gets a gold star with pink glitter from me. I may even share my unicorn.
Today I bring you my MLK Day eats because they were pretty egg-centric.
When I don’t have to rush off to work in the a.m., I actually lounge around the house, putz in the kitchen and usually have a pretty big breakfast. I really wanted to relax on my day off too (imagine that), so I did almost all the heavy lifting before 1 p.m. and spent the better part of the afternoon curled up in front of a fire, catching up on my reading. Such bliss, but before my blissed out haze, came breakfast.
Now this is egg-citing because breakfast turned out to be pretty special. I’m going to share something, a rarity really, because it doesn’t come along every day. In fact, I’ve only witnessed this particular scenario on a handful of occasions. Perhaps there was something in the water that day or a seriously frisky chicken.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with the Double Yolk, born from a single egg.
The twins, lets call them Fred and Ginger, came to me by way of a happy hen, who spends the better part of her days running around on her two able legs, munching on grubs by way of her still intact beak, and gossiping with all the other hens in and outside the house. It’s a good life for little Henny, and I, for one, appreciate her efforts.
I also appreciate her double yolks, which I paired with a piece of Zucchini Walnut bread. Mmm, such decadence for a Monday morning.
I’ll be honest, this was a pretty big breakfast for me, so I skipped lunch and just snacked instead: on another piece of Zucchini Walnut bread smothered in butter, an apple with some peanut butter and a chocolate covered peanut butter granola cup.
All this snacking goodness was eaten hearthside, since I’m trying to stay warm here in Cleveland.
Dinner, prepared earlier in the day, was a Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche, starring more lovely eggs and a bundle of greens. The beautiful thing about quiches, other than their straight up prettiness, is they can be prepared ahead, you can do a trillion different flavor profiles, and you generally have leftovers. Two full meals made ahead of time; now that’s what I’m talking about!
This delicious and easy egg pie was really good, but it wasn’t my greatest creation, and I actually measured out all the ingredients (which I never do), so ultimately I’ll have a recipe for you. I just need to perfect it first. I’m sure you can appreciate that, so stay tuned.
I also cooked up some red fingerling potatoes with a glug of extra virgin olive oil, a little salt, some pepper, rosemary and thyme and placed these tasty little morsels, quiche-side. All in all, a simple dinner which lasted two nights.
Normally, I don’t “snack” in the evenings, but I’ve had a hankering for chocolate lately (perhaps my “friend” is near), so I put down another chocolate covered peanut butter granola cup.
While there was no eggs in this bad boy, he was still magically delicious and a pretty decent ending to a delightful day.
What’s your take on eggs, and what kind do you buy? What’s the temperature in your city today?
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Love the eggs from my farm share, but, when I am in between seasons, like now, it’s Kroger’s store brand Simply Natural cage free for me.
And it’s wicked cold here in Dayton, which does not stop the dog from insisting on his walk. Luckily my old walking buddies in Virginia were year-round 0 dark forty-five walkers, so I’m set for cold weather walking.
Meghan says
Layers my friend. Lots and lots of layers.
Jessie says
I want every single thing you ate.. like NOW!! Seriously though girl, your meals all sound pretty friggen awesome 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks Jessie. I had a hankering for eggs.
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness says
Your breakfast looks great, I love ‘dippy’ eggs!
Meghan says
Thanks Nicole. I love some good yolk porn.
Katie @ Live Half Full says
Dippy eggs are one of my go-to clean eating dinners after a long day. So quick and delicious!
Meghan says
Especially the quick part. It’s so easy just to crack open an egg and so satisfying too.
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Wait what!?! Chocolate covered peanut butter granola cup! Ummm… yum! As I participate in a 30 day paleo challenge, I’m trying to really up my egg intake since they are protein packed. Lately I’ve been enjoying them in a sweet breakfast scramble which is delicious!
Meghan says
A sweet breakfast scramble…sweet? I’m intrigued and will have to check it out. Plus, I want to hear about your 30 day paleo challenge.
Allie says
I buy the kind that show up free in my backyard 😉 I totally have an egg-based WIAW that I’m going to roll out one of these days, but of course you have the same idea. Am I surprised? Nope. My life doesn’t involve granola-PB-chocolate cups though, so you automatically win.
It’s 20 here today. I’m such a cold wimp, totally didn’t go to the gym this morning because I just couldn’t stay the idea of taking off pajamas (yes, I was finally wearing pants) and getting cold any sooner than necessary.
Meghan says
Oh no, you win my friend. Your eggs come from your backyard, and that’s amazing. You could always make chocolate granola cups, but buying, housing, and taking care of chickens is a whole ‘nother story.
I hope you are having the time of your life in Jamaica.
caren @ voodies says
Whoa… hold the phone. Did I miss the recipe for that chocolate granola thingie?
I must have this!!
I don’t know why I read food blogs…. they’re just personal torment.
Meghan says
Ain’t that the truth. I want to eat everything I see.
I didn’t do a recipe for the PN granola cups, although I got the idea from another blogger way back when and I haven’t stopped tweaking it since. I also haven’t got it exactly right either. Hence no recipe. It’s basically granola, melted peanut butter, freeze for 30 minutes, then melted chocolate on top and freeze again.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
Good LORD your food is looking particularly delicious in this post. Seriously, why do you always have the best pictures of eggs? Every time I read your posts I crave eggs haha
Meghan says
I eat granola all week long for breakfast, so by the time the weekend comes around, I’m craving something more substantial… like eggs. And because it’s the weekend, I’m actually home and the lightning isn’t terrible, so I can take my eggs outside for the photo and lo and behold, I get a good picture of eggs. It’s not magic (although I so wish it was), just weekend outdoor lightning.
Antonia @ Health Inspirations says
Thanks for clarifying that eggs are healthy, and not just the egg whites. Reminds me that I need to eat eggs for breakfast this weekend!!! 🙂
Your eats look wonderful! I’m particularly fond of that quiche. Happy WIAW!
Meghan says
Thanks Antonia. I’m a huge fan of eggs, and I mean the entire thing. I made a recipe this weekend with just egg whites, and it broke my heart to pitch the yolks. Such a waste.
Brittany says
I used to like eggs, but I have been away from them for so long they actually gross me out now. Even the smell of them makes me want to gag. Those potatoes on the other hand..YUM!! And eww to that temp!! It’s like 36 in my town.
Meghan says
Yes, my vegan friend. Sorry about the entire egg edition on your behalf. I can imagine breakfast’s out can be difficult at a typical restaurant. Eggs, especially hard-boiled, can be pretty stinky so I get the aversion. I also get the vegan lifestyle, so I understand.
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
Double yolks always scare me! I’ve been eating an egg a day lately and it keeps me so full- I love them. I usually buy organic, but switch it up with the Omega 3 eggs occasionally
Meghan says
Yep the omegas are pretty cool; they make you happy. I was a little freaked about the double yolk until I heard they were good luck. I can’t turn that down.
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
I used to buy into how horrible eggs are for you, but screw it. I love eggs and have them once a day.
It was -5 when I woke up this morning, mother effing cold.
Meghan says
Negative 5. Man that blows. I hope it’s warmed up since then.
I think eggs are the bomb, and I’m glad you no longer think they are horrible for you. They can be horrible for the chickens (depending on the kind you buy), but not really horrible for us.
Eating 4 Balance says
Love all of the eggs in your post! I’m actually on the second stage of GAPS right now where I start introducing the yolks, because those are the easiest to handle!
We buy organic, cage-free eggs.
And it’s 19 degrees where I’m at. It “feels” like 5 though.
Meghan says
Yeah for stage 2. I can’t wait to see your soup bowls with some drippy eggs. I bet this must feel strange and amazing for you to be able to introduce eggs again. I’ll be thinking of you; stay warm.
Amanda (@ fridaylovesong.net) says
SMITHERS!
Your quiche looks awesome, can’t wait for the recipe. I do that a lot (about the not measuring thing). and I can’t say I’ve ever gotten a double yolk myself! That’s gotta be lucky right?
Meghan says
Smithers has some serious Burns’ issues.
It’s definitely lucky, which means I’m actually going to get a recipe for this thing. I made it again this weekend, but I have yet to try it. Although the Hubby had a slice last night and said whatever you did, you can taste the difference and it’s way better. See…lucky!
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
All of your meals look so good, but I’m allergic to eggs! It’s really a bummer. The “real feel” temperature around here is -8*!
Meghan says
That is a bummer. I’m sorry to hear it. I don’t have any food allergies so I don’t know what’s like not to be able to eat something. 🙁
Negative 8 is very, very cold. I hope it’s warmed up by now.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
The incredible, edible egg! Double yolks are good luck. 🙂
I am craving one of those PB cups noow. They look fabulous!
luv what you do says
I hate when the weather people lie…sometimes I even vent quite loudly about it…ha ha! We are supposed to have a big ice storm tonight. Boo! I am a huge fan of eggs. I but these farm fresh eggs at Whole Foods that I love. And for baking I buy something inexpensive at the grocery store. That quiche looks right up my alley as do those chocolate granola cups. Yum!
Meghan says
The farm fresh eggs are delicious. I swear I can taste a difference. I’m glad to hear the ice storm turned out to be the weather people exaggerating.