There's nothing more heavenly than a lazy hot day that starts with a treat like this! The flavors. My husband and I conjured this perfect combination of salt, savory indulgence, sweets, and punch.
Eggs Blue
2 organic farm fresh eggs
fresh baby spinach
2 slices maple smoked bacon
Stilton Bleu Cheese
Handful of your favorite berry
Chop the bacon in small pieces and cook until crisp. Drain well and pat dry. Layer on a bed of fresh, clean baby spinach.
Poach eggs to desired firmness. (I like mine cooked with a center that resembles pudding). Pat dry and layer atop the bacon. Sprinkle with the Stilton. Add the berries.
Savor.
I'm really proud of what we produced. It was fun working together. The berries - I picked those from our property line. This year, because it's been so wet, we have a really good yield of raspberries. Thanks to the deer and birds for bringing these bushes to our property! (Oh, and my tenacity for keeping Dave from tearing "those weeds" out at the beginning of each season!)
I have a few hints and tips for poaching eggs below. If you've not poached one before, be brave. It's much easier than you think! Poaching actually became one of my husband's and my favorite way to prepare eggs. They are perfectly white when done and more virtuous than a fried egg. I am sure if my husband can produce a perfectly poached egg, so can you!
Poaching Times
3.5 Minutes - Firm whites and a soft runny center.
4 Minutes - Yoke that is starting to set.
5 Minutes - Custard soft center. [Again, this is my favorite.]
Hints for Poaching Eggs
Fresh eggs. I have a nearby "chicken lady" or the Farmer's Market. The whites are fresher and firmer. And perfect.
Do not keep the boil in the water when poaching. You'll only get a mess. I always bring the water to a rapid boil and then reduce it to only a simmer with rising bubbles. An ever so gentle simmer will keep the egg from tearing apart before the white has time to set.
Use shallow water. About 3 inches is all you need. If you can spin the water to create a vortex before dropping in the egg, it will keep the egg contained. If you are just starting, practice this skill a little later. It's a little trickier this way.
Use a splash of lemon in the water. It'll set faster and you'll get fewer stringy bits.
Yeah, so that's a perfect start to your day!
Enjoy
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