Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Tisket A Tasket, An Egg In A Basket!

The incredible edible egg! Eggs are a delicious and budget-friendly protein choice for the whole family. Each little egg contains 5.5 grams of protein and only 68 calories. One of the most important benefits of including eggs in your diet is the consumption of choline. Did you know that nearly 90% of Americans eat a diet deficient in choline? Why is it important you ask? Choline is essential for brain growth(children) and health(adults). Studies have also shown that a lack of choline in your diet can also lead to a deficiency of folic acid, both of which are extrememly important to a dveloping fetus' brain during pregnancy. Eating a choline rich diet also helps prevent the onset of alzheimers, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and many other diseases.

My favorite thing about eating eggs as part of a balanced diet is that they are SO versatile. They are wonderful scrambled, fried, hardboiled, in salads, sandwiches, baked goods, you name it. Despite this fact, my 3 year old isn't especially partial to eggs. After trying many different versions of eggs for breakfast, I resorted back to a childhood favorite of mine( and the first thing I ever learned to cook with my mom when I was 4) and it worked like a charm! Even better news? The little ones can help too!

Eggs in a Basket

2 slices Ezekiel bread or other whole grain bread
2 eggs
butter
sea salt and black pepper
a child size glass or round cookie cutter(you can also use other shapes)

Have your child spread a small amount of butter on both sides of each slice of bread. Then on a cutting board, have them press out the center of the slice of bread to make a hole. Reserve the middle of the bread for later. Heat a frying pan over med heat and add a small knob of butter to coat the pan. Add in bread slices and crack an egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and flip once until done. Add in the reserved middles and lightly cook on each side. Voila! An egg in a basket. Serves 2.

Don't forget the fruit! Serve with a berry medley and a glass of milk!

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