The Culinary Works

During the week, my idea of breakfast is a white mocha and a pastry.  I am perfectly happy with that.  On the weekends, I want something more and here are the top five things I go to first.

1.         Egg on Toast with Red Wine Butter Sauce

When I was in culinary school we prepared a classic French dish using a poached egg on toasted brioche with the classic Buerre Rouge (Red wine butter sauce).  I just simplified it to prepare it JUST for me by frying one egg, leaving the yolk runny, putting it on a piece of toast which I buttered, and making a quick red wine sauce by sautéing a teaspoon of onion and some Thyme, then I add a few tablespoons of red wine letting it reduce to about a tablespoon, then I take it off the heat and as I swish the pan around I add in little knobs of cold butter until I have a nice sauce.  It will take roughly a tablespoon of butter.  Salt and pepper then pour it over the egg.  I am telling you, it is luxurious!

2.            Breakfast Burritos/Tacos

Can’t miss with this one, filled with eggs, potatoes bacon, cheese, onions, left over grilled veggies, salsa, black beans, rice, whatever….it’s filling and easy!

3.         Frittata

Super easy and people think I went to a lot of trouble.  I sauté sausage or bacon until brown and remove it from the pan.  Then I add potatoes I have small diced so they cook quickly seasoning them with salt and pepper, and maybe some Mexican chili spice.  I drop in some chopped onions and let them soften.  I add in some chopped roasted red peppers and pour in some whipped eggs with a touch of milk.  Sprinkle on some cheese and let it finish cooking in the oven.  Fast and easy, cheap and feeds an army!

4.            Sausage Gravy

I save this for when I am feeling thin, but on a cold rainy morning, it’s a big winner.  I am not a fan of biscuits so I put mine over scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes.  For four people, I sauté the sausage (8-10 oz) until it’s cooked through.  I add two tablespoons of butter and four tablespoons of flour and with a whisk, mix everything, allowing the flour to cook for a few minutes.  Then I add two cups of milk.  Once it comes to a boil it will thicken.  I season to taste and enjoy!!

5.         Granola

Right out of the oven, served with some nice warm milk/soy milk, yum!  Topped with some fresh fruit and yogurt, it’s a real treat in a bowl.  I am not fond of hard dry store granola and man it’s expensive!! Chances are good you didn’t know how easy it is to make granola at home.  The great thing about it is you have the chance to put in it what you like and make it as sweet as you want.  I hate raisins, but I love dried cherries and lots of nuts….also, if I add in some dark chocolate chips I can use it as a party snack.  Here is my recipe:

3 Cups Raw Rolled Oats

¾ cup Almonds

¾ cup Pecans

1 cup Coconut

1 cup Oat Bran

½ cup Melted butter

½ cup Honey

¼ cup Maple syrup

¼ cup Orange Juice

1 cup Dried Cherries

(optional)

1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips