Today we are happy to share another guest post from The Colorado Egg Producers (CEP) Association. CEP is a membership organization representing seven local egg farmers throughout the state who take great pride in providing eggs to Coloradans. CEP is committed to doing what’s right for its community, as illustrated by the regular donation of thousands of eggs to food banks throughout the state.
Start the school day with a healthy, easy egg breakfast! September marks the beginning of fall, bringing with it cooler temperatures, changing leaves and a new school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or high school, all students need a healthy, hearty breakfast to start their day. Packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients, eggs are a healthy and delicious breakfast choice to keep your child energized and engaged until the last bell rings. Help your child crack open their textbooks by cracking open a few eggs each morning. The Colorado Egg Producers (CEP) Association has kid-friendly breakfast recipes to help you, and your child, get the school day started.
“The start of the school year can be a hectic time for Colorado families. But that doesn’t mean we should forget about nutrition,” said Terry Tormohlen, Colorado egg farmer and CEP member. “Eggs provide growing kids with important nutrients and vitamins to keep their brains and their bodies strong. Eggs are also one of the most versatile foods. Whether your family enjoys a sit-down breakfast or breakfast-on-the-go, eggs can fit into your morning routine.”
Think you have no time for an egg breakfast in the middle of a busy weekday morning? Think again. You can prepare an egg breakfast in a snap. CEP and the American Egg Board recommend trying these fast, easy recipes.
Microwave Coffee Cup Scramble
Ingredients
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper
Optional fillings
•Chopped veggies or sausage
Coat a 12-ounce microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. Add eggs, milk and optional fillings and beat until blended. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir; then microwave again until eggs are almost set, about 30 to 45 seconds. Top with cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Make Ahead Omelets
Ingredients
• 12 eggs
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
• ¾ cup finely shredded Italian cheese blend
Optional fillings
• 2 cups chopped asparagus
• 6 slices cooked crisp bacon, crumbled
Beat eggs, water, salt and pepper in a blender or medium bowl until blended. Coat a 6 to 8-inch nonstick omelet pan or skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Pour in ½ cup of the egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at the edges. Gently push cooked portions from edges toward the center with an inverted turner or spatula so that uncooked eggs can reach the hot pan surface. Continue cooking, tilting the pan and gently moving cooked portions as needed. When the top surface of the eggs is thickened and no visible liquid egg remains, place 2 tablespoons of cheese on one side of the omelet and fillings, if desired. Fold the omelet in half with the turner or spatula. With a quick flip of the wrist, turn the pan and invert or slide the omelet onto a plate. Continue this process to make additional omelets. Cover the omelets and refrigerate. Reheat an omelet in the microwave in HIGH for 1 to 1½ minutes or until hot.
Find more back-to-school breakfast recipes by following CEP on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. To learn more about CEP please visit www.coloradoeggproducers.com.
In addition to providing Colorado students with a delicious, healthy breakfast, CEP wants them to learn about our state’s agriculture. Administered by the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, the Agriculture in the Classroom program provides Colorado educators with fun, free resources for their students, including activity books, posters and Colorado Readers – a student newspaper covering Colorado’s food system, agriculture, natural resources and nutrition. Educators can visit www.growingyourfuture.com to order materials.
CEP is committed to feeding our neighbors in need. This football season, CEP will cheer on the Orange and Blue while giving back to the community. For each point our team scores this season, CEP will donate a dozen eggs to Food Bank of the Rockies. Tune into radio station 850 KOA on game days to hear about our partnership from Kevin Seggelke, president and CEO of the food bank.