Whole Story

According to culinary mythology, the hundred folds in a chef's hat represent the hundred ways to cook an egg. While we home cooks don’t need to know a hundred ways to cook with this versatile ingredient, it sure pays to know a few. So rise and let your cooking and budget skills shine with eggs.

Unscrambling Scrambled Eggs

We’ve all had terrible scrambled eggs at one time or another. Dry, overcooked and rubbery scrambled eggs are a crime against breakfast. If you’re looking to perfect yours or want to send a recipe to someone as a wink wink nudge nudge, these French-style Classic Scrambled Eggs – soft, savory and fluffy – are the real deal.

The Fabulous Frittata

A frittata is the savvy cook’s solution for leftovers, including vegetables, Easter ham, Passover brisket, roasted chicken, salmon or pasta. Hosting brunch? No problem. It’s equally delicious served warm, at room temperature or cold. If a frittata isn’t in your repertoire yet, here’s an easy recipe to get you started, Learn to Cook: Frittata.

Frittata Tips

• Since the seasoning in your vegetables, meats and cheese will vary, use salt and pepper to taste. (Check the seasoning by cooking and tasting a small spoonful of the egg mixture.)
• For a firm, easily sliceable frittata, be sure that added vegetables and/or meats have been fully cooked ahead of time and any extra moisture drained off.
• Don’t peek more than necessary! Leave it undisturbed as much as possible to ensure an even brown color and a frittata that holds together well.
• A cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick skillet works particularly well, but don’t be afraid to use whatever ovenproof skillet you have on hand.
• Since frittatas travel well, pack a wedge in your lunchbox.

Frittata Combos To Get Outta Bed For

Bacon. Caramelized onion. Sun-dried tomatoes. A frittata welcomes them all and more. Here are a few four favorite combinations:

• Kale + Monterey Jack cheese + fennel
• Whole wheat pasta + cheddar cheese + ground beef
• Red potatoes + onions + ham + Le Gruyère cheese
• Mushrooms + rotisserie chicken + goats’ milk cheddar

Now you’re cooking! Check out more budget-friendly recipes for everyday egg-cellence in the current issue of The Whole Deal value guide. You’ll also find Sure Deals, more than $56 in coupons, a daily meal planner and money-saving tips.

What’s your favorite egg-based breakfast dish? Let me know in the comments below.