Eggs and Nutrition

There was an ad campaign years ago, declaring eggs to be "incredible and edible." Eggs have been given the nutritional shaft for a long time because of the cholesterol factor, but at long last, they are now declaring eggs to be the nutritional giants they have always been. (whoever "they" are)

In any case, while eggs pack a strong nutritional punch, they're also cheap. Consider this: a dozen eggs can be had for under $2, and a lot of times are just over $1. High quality, protein rich and cheap. You just need to know how to fix 'em!

One of my favorite things to do with eggs is have scrambled eggs and pancakes for dinner. We call it Breakfast for Dinner and my kids love it. I serve orange juice in wine glasses, light candles and have classical music playing in the background. Who says cheap needs to be boring? I try and do this once a week, because it is so gentle on our budget. We also have our own eggs from our chickens so there is always lots of eggs around here!

Another favorite is the infamous (real men don't eat) quiche. It is a cinch to make it crustless and could definitely fit in the fast food catagory, as well. Omelettes are another option, but they are certainly time consuming to make, if you do them right. So here's my quick and easy quiche that you can make in less than 5 minutes.

• 1 dozen eggs, beaten like for scrambled eggs
  
  
• 1/4 cup milk
  
  
• salt and pepper to taste
  
  
• 1 small package of frozen, chopped spinach;drained
  
  
• 1/2 a small onion chopped and sauteed
  
  
• 1 cup ground beef, cooked (I use just about anything from leftover spaghetti meat to leftover taco meat--use whatever you have)
  
  
• 6 oz. shredded sharp cheddar (I use lowfat)

In a bowl, beat your eggs and add milk, salt and pepper. In a 9 x 13 pan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, put meat, spinach and cheese down then top with egg mixture. Bake @ 350 for 20-30 minutes, but check it often. I have noticed a great deal of difference in cooking times on this. Serve it with a great big salad and some whole grain bread and you have one wonderful supper.

That's all there is to it. Simple, easy, cheap and quite good! Enjoy!

Leanne Ely is the Manic Housewife. Manic, meaning inordinately enthusiastic, perfectly describes her attitude toward life, healthy, good-for-you cooking and the pursuit of frugality. Her new book, "Healthy Foods Your Kids Will Love", will be on the shelves January 2001 (Champion Press). Leanne is a newpaper columnist, freelance writer and the voice behind Manic Minutes; soon to be heard on the radio.

To subscribe to Leanne's email newsletter, Healthy Foods, send an email to subscribe-healthy-foods@xc.org

Copyright Leanne Ely

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