10 Things to make with… EGGS!

There are around 29 million of these in the UK, we consume more than 10 billion of what these produce each year, one in five adults cannot boil one and the longest throw of a fresh one – without breaking – is 98.51 metres! Also, a medium one only has 80 calories!

With Easter around the corner, we must be talking about Eggs …

Fried, scrambled, poached or chucked, us Brits on average eat 3 eggs per week and over a lifetime an average person will consume a whopping 7,300.

Think about this – eggs can be used in a variety of different ways, they are an essential part of cooking and baking, they can bind ingredients together, they have a thickening ability as seen in custards, used to leaven baked high-rises such as soufflés, and they emulsify mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce plus are used in glazing breads and cookies – making eggs an ‘anytime of day’ food.

Nutritionally, what can we expect from Eggs?

Well the answer is ‘a lot!’ Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse; they provide 13 different vitamins and minerals, high quality protein, healthy fats like Omega 3 and antioxidants and there is great news for egg lovers, as our very own British Scientists this year released new research claiming that eggs are not as artery clogging as first thought and have virtually no effect on cholesterol (just be careful as the fat used to cook them in still can be a concern for cholesterol).

Which Egg?

More people than ever before are choosing barn and free-range eggs which is great news. But most people don’t realise that nearly 60 per cent of eggs still come from hens kept in cruel battery cages, where the space for each bird is less than the size of a piece of A4 paper. At MealSavers, we only ever recommend purchase of Free-Range eggs.

It’s so simple to do your bit to help by only choosing higher welfare eggs – namely barn and free-range, and preferably the ones with the Freedom Food label. This means that the eggs have come from hens that have been kept on farms inspected to the RSPCA’s welfare standards (look for the distinctive blue label on egg boxes or by the egg displays in supermarkets).

Or pick up a pack of The Happy Egg Company’s new line of eggs from chickens kept in active, fun environments.

Driving on Egg Shells?

Our friends across the pond at Ohio State University have found a way to turn discarded chicken egg shells into an alternative energy resource, as egg shells mostly consist of calcium carbonate (which is one of natures most absorbent materials) when heated the shell becomes calcium oxide, which can then absorb any acidic gas.

So next time you are producing hydrogen, use egg shells to separate out the carbon dioxide – they have been proven to be the most effective carbon dioxide absorber ever tested!

So, without further ado, here are the MealSavers team’s top 10 things to make with Eggs! …

10. Egg painting!

The link between Eggs and Easter derives from the Christian tradition of fasting through Lent, and eating Eggs was strictly forbidden, however, hens continued to lay throughout the fast, resulting in a large stock for Easter Sunday.

Our friends over at Yellow Moon, have this great Egg Holder Painting Kit

9. Spaghetti Carbonara

A wonderfully creamy and delicious pasta dish.

Click here for the recipe

8. Filo Tartlets with Baked Eggs and Spinach

A delicious and modern dish that goes perfectly with a nice salad for a light and tasty meal.

Click here for the recipe

7. Caramelised Apples with Crème Anglaise

A fabulous taste sensation that is simple to prepare yet ready to dazzle.

Click here for the recipe

6. Scrambled Eggs and Chives wrapped in Smoked Salmon

You can’t beat the traditional combination of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs – and the sharp dressing for the salad gives this recipe an extra tang.

Click here for the recipe

5. Open Omelette of Goats Cheese and Spinach

Omelettes are one of the quickest tastiest dishes around. Top or fill with your favourite filling for a delicious lunchtime dish.

Click here for the recipe

4. Spring Onion Pancakes Filled with Shredded Duck

A perfect combination of tastes and artful presentation for an extra special meal.

Click here for the recipe

3. Créme Caramel

An absolutely wonderful classic dessert that will leave you wanting more. This is a French classic. In order to make the best crème caramel you need to cook the caramel to a dark colour, almost to the point of burning. The degree of colour determines the result; too blonde – the caramel will be sweet with no caramel flavour, too dark – the caramel will be bitter!

Click here for the recipe

2. Pizza Omelette

This is a great store cupboard dish. The topping could be sweetcorn, bacon, or left over meats. Because time is of the essence when making an omelette make sure that all the ingredients are ready before you start cooking. Experiment and enjoy.

Click here for the recipe

1. Eggs Benedict

A brilliant way to make an impression with someone special! Ingredients: Some fantastic eggs, best quality bacon and all your energy to make a delicious Hollandaise Sauce from scratch!

Click here for the recipe

Enjoy your eggs!