(NC) Mornings are the most hectic time of the day. Between waking up and getting out the door, it often feels like there isn't enough time for a good breakfast.
But skipping breakfast is a poor choice, according to Clare
Jones, a Toronto-based home economist and nutritionist.
"It really is the most important meal of the day. Numerous
studies have shown that children perform better in school when
they've had a good breakfast. Including a high-quality protein
at breakfast, like an egg or two, is essential for long-lasting
energy."
A recent survey by Leger Marketing found that 53 per cent of
Canadians take five minutes or longer to cook eggs for
breakfast - time that most of us simply don't have to spare in
the morning, but according to Jones, it doesn't have to take
that long.
A microwave egg cooker is easy to use and because it's
dishwasher safe, there's no clean up. Sprinkle a few grains of
salt on the bottom of the egg cooker (to help the egg cook
evenly), crack a large egg into the container, pierce the egg
white and yolk a few times with a fork, put the lid on and cook
on high for 45 seconds for a perfectly cooked egg.
For those who like extra flavour, customize your eggs.
Before cooking, add some grated cheese, salsa, dried herbs or
hot sauce.
Microwave egg cookers are available at various kitchen stores across Canada, and they can also be ordered free of charge (plus shipping and handling charges of $5.99) at www.eggs.ca .
Sunrise Egg Muffins
Number of servings: 4
Preparation: 5 min.
Cooking: 5 min.
Ingredients
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
1 tbsp butter
4 eggs
4 English muffins split and toasted
1 tomato sliced
Alfalfa sprouts, for garnish (optional)
Method
In a microwave-safe bowl, gradually whisk milk into mayonnaise;
cover. Microwave on medium for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or just until
hot, stirring 2 or 3 times. Whisk in lemon juice and rind until
smooth.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Break eggs
into skillet. With spatula, break yolk and mix slightly with
the white. Reduce heat to low. Cook slowly to preferred
firmness.
Place tomato slices on lower muffin halves. Top with eggs.
Spoon sauce, to taste, over eggs. Garnish with alfalfa sprouts,
if desired.
Jiffy Eggs
Serves: 1
Preparation: 5 min.
Cooking time: 1 min. 30 sec.
Ingredients
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk 
Pinch of dried basil or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp chopped parsley (optional)
Method
Beat together eggs, milk and seasonings in a microwave-safe
mug. Cover loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap, turning it
back slightly to vent. Microwave on medium-high 1 to 1-1/2
minutes. Remove plastic and stir. Sprinkle with cheese and
parsley; cover and let stand one minute.
Variations
After beating eggs, add any of the following to customize:
chopped green onion, chopped green, yellow or red peppers,
chopped cooked vegetables or meats. Substitute shredded
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack or Swiss Cheese for Cheddar cheese.
Spread a tablespoon of salsa over a tortilla shell and spoon
eggs into centre; roll and serve .
