It’s a new year. I am sure there are many of us out there who have made some new year’s resolutions. Are we keeping them?
Some of us would like to lose weight, others are looking to further their careers. I have heard people who are looking to recycle more, or even keep a clean house.
None of this means anything without some good lovin’ in your life and with Valentine’s Day on its way, nothing says I love you better than breakfast in bed.
No need to spend a lot of money, some of us are still reeling from the holiday expenditures. Pawn the kids off on the inlaws. That’s what they are for, you know.
Get up early, make a gorgeous meal, wake them up with it and have a bedroom picnic.
Eggs, some of us just can’t live without them. Here are a couple of simple solutions that I love.
Bird in a basket
4 pieces bread (I like oatnut)
4 eggs
Butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Gently tear a hole about two inches round out of the center of each piece of bread.
Butter both sides and place them in a non-stick frying pan over medium to medium low heat; you might only be able to do one at a time depending on your size of bread and pan.
Drop a dab of butter in each hole and crack one egg per hole.
Remember to season.
Fry until desired doneness is achieved. I prefer two minutes per side so the yolk is soft and runs down my chin while eating. You can finish them with ham or bacon and a cheese of your choice if you like.
Now if you are cooking for a more health conscious person try baked eggs.
Line two small bowls with blanched baby spinach. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
Break two eggs into the centre of the spinach and bake in a preheated (350 C) oven for 12-16 minutes depending on how hard you like your yolk. Serve with hot buttered toast.
You can also place sautéed mushrooms or slices of aged cheddar in the bowl before the eggs if you prefer.
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I love bacon, usually spicy, double-smoked, maple-glazed suits my fancy. Some love sausage. No matter what your fancy , sausage or not this is a recipe you need to try.
Spicy turkey sausage patties
1 poblano chili, roasted, stemmed, and seeded
1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro
1/2 cup tightly packed fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup tightly packed romaine lettuce
1 bay leaf
2 tsp crushed dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/8 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 pound lean ground turkey (99 per cent fat free)
In a food processor, place all of the ingredients except the turkey, and process until smooth. Scrape the mixture into a medium-sized bowl.
Add the turkey and combine will with your hands until the spice mixture is evenly distributed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours to let the flavours meld. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Form the sausage into 3-inch patties. Fry the patties for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. Serve immediately.
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Now a fruit smoothie would go great with any of this as well as provide some great energy for the rest of your day. I like banana and strawberry. My secret trick is . . .
1 cup yogurt
¼ cup milk
1 tbsp wildflower honey
½ tsp real vanilla extract
Fruit of your choice (stick to berries and bananas)
How about a dessert?
Buy some ready-made sugar and cinnamon coated doughnuts. Place them in a grill pan if you own one. If not, a non-stick frying pan will do just the trick.
Make sure to weight them down with a plate or two and cook for two minutes a side or until the sugar has caramelised and the doughnut is toasted and crisp.
Enjoy with a strong cup and embrace your day . . . (By day I mean bed picnic partner of course).
This is where my valentine’s coaching ends the rest is up to you.
Have a happy VD.
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Darren Rossi is a former Vancouver chef now living in Trail