DEL.ICIO.USTurn to breakfast partners for Mom's special day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/08/08
It's a classic love story of opposites attracting. A paradigm of the sum of the parts being so much more than the individuals.
On one side you have the egg, rich and full-bodied. A master of malleability, able to transform itself into many incarnations. When soft-boiled, served with herbed toast fingers to dip into its nectar, it's the star of the show. Scrambled with a touch of cream and hint of chives, its soft and luxurious curds wait to be scooped up like a bride being carried over the threshold. Whether soaked into bread for a strata or French toast, it provides moisture and toothsomeness with subtlety, sacrificing its own identity to let its better half shine.
Its partner, a sturdy loaf of freshly baked bread, provides the perfect balance to the egg's fluidity. The ultimate utility food, a hearty, thick slice offers the steady hand needed for support, the yin to the egg's yang.
They are breakfast's dynamic duo.
There is no better time to celebrate this union than the day we note another enduring bond, that between mother and child. On Sunday, many children will venture into the kitchen for the first time to prepare a meal to show their appreciation for Mom. And without doubt, they will turn to this timeless twosome, eggs and bread, and for good reason. For one dish, it's as simple as boiling water. For nonmorning people, there's a make-ahead strata ready to pop in the oven while the coffee brews and the bacon fries. Other dishes require minor skillet skills, perfect for beginning cooks.
Whichever combination you choose, it's a simple but surefire way to remind Mom she is loved. With or without help from Dad.
THE RECIPES:Whether baked, fried or boiled, the dependable egg comes through in every situation. No matter what food Mom is in the mood for, you'll find a match for her desires and your skill level. Use a bakery-style loaf of bread, which you can cut into the thickness needed.
• Soft-Boiled Egg With Toast Fingers: For the mom who likes to keep things simple, it doesn't get any better than a soft-boiled egg.
• Bird's Nest Egg: This was "Grandpa's specialty," which my kids have adopted as their own
• Orange French Toast : All this family favorite needs is a dusting of confectioners' sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Sausage, Cheddar and Mushroom Strata: This Italian-style bread pudding is the ultimate make-ahead dish and a good way to use up leftover bread.
• Mexican Egg 'Pizzas': Here's an easier version of the classic huevos rancheros. You can adjust the ingredients to serve more or fewer people.
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