Egg McElle Sandwich

Ok, I admit it: I love to stop at McDonald's for breakfast. Considering that their breakfast offerings aren't really the healthiest options and that I either (a) don't have time to stop before work when I'm scheduled for the early shift (6-2), or (b) I'm still sleeping and they're no longer serving breakfast when I work the late shift (2-close), I don't eat there very often. So to satisfy those cravings, I have created my own versions of some of McD's breakfast favorites. Today's version is my answer to the classic Egg McMuffin... with a few tweaks.

Ingredients:

1 egg, fried (I suppose you could scramble or poach an egg, but I just went with the classic fried)

2 slices of Canadian bacon

2 slices of bread (I always have whole grain bread on hand... the kind with lots of nuts/seeds/oats etc. baked right in)

goat cheese (the kind that comes in a log is easier to spread on toast than the usual crumbles I have in the fridge, but you can use any cheese you like)

So keeping it close to the classic version, I had originally considered adding spinach and sun dried tomatoes this morning but in the end, decided to leave off all the frills (but you can add whatever floats your boat). I won't tell you how to fry an egg because I can only assume that if you're reading this, than you have at least some basic skills in the kitchen. I will say that I fried my egg in a small amount of Smart Balance and that I broke the yolk so I could have a bit of yolk with each bite. Meanwhile, I toasted 2 slices of my favorite whole grain bread and in the last moments before the egg was done cooking, I tossed the Canadian bacon into the pan to heat through. To assemble the sandwich: piece of toast, Canadian bacon, fried egg, top with second piece of toast that has been smeared with creamy goat cheese. Serve with iced coffee, and it's the perfect "fast food" before heading out the door.

Enjoy!

A Comfort Food Classic

Ever have a day where, at the end of it, you just crave comfort food... something to restore that warm and fuzzy feeling? Well, today was one of those days for me, and as muzzy headed as I was after the dust had settled on this less than stellar day, I wasn't really up to preparing a full meal. (The way this day has been going, I'd probably set the kitchen on fire or sever a finger.) Instead, I decided to go with the quintessential rainy (emotional, if not meteorological) day classic: a grilled cheese sandwich. But just because you're having a crappy day, that doesn't mean comfort food can't be elevated to a more, shall we say, sophisticated level without compromising the integrity of the kitsch factor, or, on the other hand, losing sight of the fact that we're ultimately talking about something as simple as melted cheese on bread. So here we go with tonight's version of comfort on a plate.

Ingredients:

2 slices of whole grain bread (the hearty, nutty flavor is the perfect foil for gooey cheese and holds up well without getting soggy)

1-2 slices of provolone cheese (fontina would be fantastic here as well)

1-2 slices of fresh mozzarella (the ultimate melting cheese)

2 slices of Canadian bacon (I also like turkey bacon but really didn't want to cook any tonight in the name of keeping things as stream-lined as possible... or you can leave off the meat, I just wanted the extra protein)

1-2 slices of tomato (equally as good to serve on the side)

Dijon mustard (basil pesto is really good if you're not a mustard fan)

Keep the preparation quick and easy. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on only one slice of the bread, otherwise it can easily overpower the sandwich. Next layer is a slice of cheese, dealer's choice on which to lay down first. Then comes the Canadian bacon, followed by the tomato slices, and topped off with the rest of the cheese. In a pan over medium-low heat, melt some Smart Balance and gently place the sandwich into it. Flip after 2 minutes, or until desired level of golden brown goodness is achieved. Don't forget to spread a small amount of Smart Balance on the other piece of bread so that when you flip the sandwich, the second side isn't hitting a dry pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and delicious on both sides. Remove to a plate and let it sit for at least 30 seconds before diving in, otherwise you will burn your mouth from all the hot gooey cheese and the rest of the filling will just fall out onto the plate. You think your day was bad before? Try burning your mouth and having your comfort food fall apart... that'll really make your day!

Enjoy!