Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Poached Egg Sandwich

So I have been trying to eat healthy the last few days but I don't want to sacrifice flavor or sustenance. Usually when that happens, there's a high chance that I will eat an entire package of Oreos in the middle of the night, LOL. I tend to binge when I deprive myself. So I have been experimenting with a few lighter recipes on Pinterest and tweaking them to either my liking, or using ingredients that I have on hand. This is a poached egg sandwich recipe. I had never poached an egg before but I had watched my grandma make them many times. I do not have one of those fancy microwave poachers so I just used the old fashioned boiling method....OK lets get started...

 

 yield 2 sandwiches

Ingredients
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 0 cal or low cal butter spray ( 1 tbls of regular unsalted butter will work)
  • 2 small mushrooms sliced (you can use any type of mushroom)
  • 1 chopped green onion(green part only)
  • about 10 spinach leaves
  • 1 slice of provolone cut in half
  • salt and pepper or favorite seasoning(I used Greek Seasoning instead of S&P
  • 2 small buns or toasted bread (I am using left over homemade pretzel bread but any kind will work)
Poaching the eggs...
Fill a medium sauce pan 3/4 full with water  and bring to a boil.  Crack open your eggs and drop into the boiling water. Some of the egg white will separate and thats ok. Once the eggs are in the water turn the heat down to med high that way it will still boil but will not foam up and overflow.  Boil for about 8 minutes. If you still want a runny yolk, less boil time.

While your eggs are boiling, put your sliced mushrooms and chopped green onion in a small frying pan. Spray with butter spray to coat and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper or your choice of seasoning. Saute on med high heat just until the mushrooms start sweating. Now add your spinach. You want the spinach to wilt but not burn so give it a few stirs with a spatula.

When the Spinach wilts remove from heat and set aside.  Your eggs should be done now so just scoop them out with a slotted spoon or if you have a hand held scoop strainer then use that. 
I like to cut my egg in half so it will fit better on the bun

Now you can start stacking your sandwich.
I place the egg on first, then the sauteed mushrooms with the spinach and onions, then I top with the half slice of provolone. 


Those are some fine looking sandwiches. If you want something lighter, opt for only one slice of bread and eat with a fork.

*Other Great toppings would be; fresh Avocado and spicy mustard




Sweet Saltines

I get a sweet tooth every once in awhile, and normally when this happens I don't have anything sweet in my house. I don't like to keep cakes and sweets in the house because they are just a temptation for me as I just started eating a bit healthier. But I am a firm believer that if you are craving something sweet then you should let yourself have it to avoid binge eating later. Normally just a nibble is all it takes for me.
     
   This recipe for Sweet Saltines is one of the easiest ones I have tried and its delicious. My babies love it. My son calls it chocolate bread, haha.


Sweet Saltines Finished Product.
In a Ziploc bag for easy storage.


Ingredients

  • 35 to 40 saltine crackers (or enough to fill your cookie sheet)
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 1 1/3 cups) You can use milk or dark chocolate as well.
  • Cooking Spray

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Line 1 large or 2 small cookie or sheet cake pans with aluminum foil (I did not use foil this time. I forgot, but I suggest using it, it will make clean up easier) spray with nonstick spray and arrange the saltines salt-side down in a single layer.


 In a medium sauce pan melt the butter and brown sugar together and boil until it turns a caramel color, a few minutes. Be sure to stir as to not burn the caramel. Remove from the heat and pour over the crackers, covering them evenly.



Put the pan into the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, or until just bubbly, watching carefully. 


Remove from the oven and pour the chocolate chips over the crackers. When the chips melt a bit, spread them over the crackers with a knife.

Transfer the pan to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until completely cold. They will form one big sheet. Break up into pieces.


Store in an airtight container or ziploc bag.

These are delicious. Hope your family enjoys them as much as mine! :)