March 3, 2008...9:34 am

Spinach Frittata. Egg in a Nest. Oven Fried Red Potatoes. Miscellaneous Breakfast Joy

Jump to Comments

When I made a spinach frittata recently, I let someone, who shall remain nameless, have a “bite.” Somehow, upon my return to the pan, hoping to enjoy the last two tablespoons, the rest of it had disappeared! The explanation: “well, it was so good…” Oh, a little flattery gets you everywhere. Who says crime doesn’t pay!

Spinach (and Bean Salad) Frittata:

  • 2 eggs;
  • 2 egg whites;
  • 2 whopping cups of organic spinach from Costco;*
  • 4 tablespoons of bean salad, drained;**
  • 4 tablespoons of Kraft Parmesan grated cheese; and
  • black pepper, to taste.

Feeds one very very hungry person (me). Plus one interloper. OK, so, I sliced the spinach leaves into a loose chiffonade. While the cast iron skillet heated up to a nice medium high, I beat the eggs together with the spinach, bean salad, cheese, and black pepper. Threw some vegetable oil on there. Then I put it all in the skillet. And then tried to flip it, in parts. That was pretty much it. Probably took me all of 4 or 5 minutes of prep. Might have taken 10 minutes to cook. The bean salad adds sweetness, a nice chewiness, and a great tang that stands up to the spinach nicely.

Egg in the Nest

Also made Egg in the Nest recently, with the help of this lid:

Began like so:

Ended like so:

Now you know when I say you might want to avoid using raisin bread to make Egg in the Nest…well, I lived through the hardship of over-carmelization – so you can learn from my pain…

Red Potato Oven Fries

You buy a sack of potatoes. You have the very best intentions. But how quickly can any human get through a 5lb bag (especially if rice = = primary starch)? The potatoes looked wilted and lame after waiting around with nothing to do for too darn long. I resuscitated them overnight with a dash of vinegar. Vinegar prevents the potatoes from browning. I don’t have the “before.” Just know and trust that the potatoes were less than photogenic.

After:

The next day, I drained and dried them, slathered them in olive oil and a pre-packaged Italian-style herb mix before baking them at 375F for about 1/2 hr. Easy as pie. Freezes and microwaves beautifully. Lovely to have for breakfast, especially with eggs and some fine coffee.

After roasting, then freezing:

*Links you to a 2004 industry article regarding the synergy between Costco’s membership base and the organic agriculture market.

**Since the first time I made it, I find myself making it every few weeks. This last rendition boasted some canned corn.

13 Comments

  • everything looks good… EVERYTHING. the egg in the nest! i’d still it, but i like things slightly over cooked!

    haven’t posted any recipes yet, but did start an entery about chai.. still formulating that too!

    love.

    LUSH

  • Thanks for your comment! I’d love to see your chai recipe!!!

  • Hi – Just wanted to say I’ve been enjoying your blog. I like the focus on quick and low-cost dishes. That’s my kind of cooking! Great pictures also.

    I’m a Minnesotan too – I live in North Minneapolis. Do you shop at the Minneapolis farmer’s market? I can’t wait for it to start again. Could also use some warmer weather…

    Maybe some roasted chickpeas will help cheer me up. I’m definitely going to try that.

    About the potatoes – you cut them up and soak them overnight in the water, right? How much vinegar do you include? If the potatoes are fresh would you still add the vinegar?

    Thanks!

  • Hi Michelle,

    Aw, I’m thrilled you like it!!! It’s amazing how little it costs to eat fabulously.

    Well, I don’t live in MN anymore…but, I used to hit the St. Paul Farmer’s Market on Wall St. from time to time – where’s the Mpls one?

    Hm, there’s was probably about 1/2 gallon of water soaking maybe 8 large red-skinned potatoes. I think I gave it about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, either generic or Heinz brand. If the potatoes were fresh, I suppose the vinegar might prevent browning.

    As for the cold…well, I know there were MANY times that making chicken curry helped me survive that snowed-in feeling!!! That, and a good hot chocolate.

    Let me know how the chickpeas turn out!

    P.S.

    I totally forgot to say – if you go to Super Target, they used to have frozen Brussels sprouts for like $.87 per pkg. It’s so nice to have something that convenient, bright and happy when it’s freezing out, and you’re pining away for spring! I used to like to nuke three in a bowl, for 90 secs, and just drizzle with black pepper, salt, and olive oil while hot. Butter and/or Parmesan are great additions too!

  • A great idea for the red potatoes. I also like all your photos of packaging – it’s like being in a supermarket overseas – everything looks different even if the contents are familiar. I’m going to try it too!

  • Aw, thanks! No red potato should languish for lack of vinegar! Yay! I’d love to see what your supermarkets are like!

  • Your photos are brilliant!

    My daughter loves eggs in a nest, she has them all the time. I’m with Lush – I love my food well done :)

    The chickpea recipe is a nice one. I’m going to try that. Great how you’ve worked out the cost of everything – really helpful.

  • Why thank you very much! Egg in the nest is one of those things I kinda forgot, and it’s nice to inject some fun into breakfast!

  • Mei, super great blog idea. I love it!! =)

  • I eat egg in a nest almost every day for breakfast. Except I call it toad in a hole. Your name makes much more sense.

  • I’m sure that toads are cute too. And, they (well, frogs) turn into Prince Charming!

  • [...] Next time, I’ll use less batter, and will add more more more stuff, like maybe some protein (tofu / chicken / etc.) How did it taste? Well, you can definitely enjoy the sprouts – earthy, not quite crunchy, yet offering some small resistance to one’s teeth. My diners gave it a thumbs up! I liked it. Well, maybe because it was breakfasty. Also, anything that gets browned in a skillet with starch is likely to win my heart. (like those jack mackerel cakes! and that spinach frittata!) [...]


Leave a Reply