TOP IMAGE: Holiday Eggnog © Courtesy of Egg Farmers of Ontario
No need to stress when you have eggs in the fridge.
With holiday plans in full swing, wouldn’t it be nice to cross some items off your list? Take entertaining, for example. Whether it’s brunch with the family, an afternoon get-together to trim the tree, or an elegant soirée with friends, stop worrying about what to serve when there is a simple solution. Eggs!
With six grams of protein for only 70 calories, plus 13 vitamins and minerals, you know that you are fuelling your body with excellent nutrition to get you through those holiday events!
Egg farmers across the province are proud to provide such a healthy ingredient for all of your festive baking and parties. When you buy Ontario eggs, you are supporting our more than 500 egg and pullet farm families who adhere to strict on-farm food safety and animal care programs. So, while you are fuelling your body with nutrition, you can be confident with the eggs that you put in your grocery cart!
Did you know that fresh, high-quality Ontario eggs are available in your local grocery store in only four to seven days? Not only is that freshness you can rely on, but eggs are so versatile they are the perfect answer for what to put on the menu for any occasion.
For recipes and much more, visit getcracking.ca.
Prep Time: 20 minutes • Bake Time: 30 minutes • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
A twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, this one-pan bake combines the sweet flavours of French toast with ham and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise
- 1 large French baguette, cut into 21 slices (¾-inch or 2 cm thick)
- 7 slices deli ham, cut in half length-wise (about ¼ lb or 125 g)
- 2 ⅓ cups (575 mL) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup (125 mL) 2% milk
- ⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) each salt and pepper
- Icing sugar and preserves (optional)
Tip: Substitute Swiss cheese for Gruyere for a lighter flavour.
Tip: Baguettes at your local grocery store can range in length. Look for a baguette that is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) long.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190⁰C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine mustard and mayonnaise; spread on one side of each baguette slice.
- Place prepared baking dish on counter, with the shortest side facing you. Working from the top of dish, place 3 baguette slices (mustard side up), slightly propped up along the short side of the dish. Sprinkle with a ⅓ cup (75 mL) of cheese and top with 2 slices ham, overlapping (1 full slice per row). Prop the next slices of bread up against the ham and continue to layer until no ingredients remain. You should have 7 rows in total.
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper; mix well. Pour evenly over the contents in baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with traditional Monte Cristo accompaniments, icing sugar and preserves, if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Chill Time: 4 hours • Yield: about 6 cups (1.5 L) or 8 servings
This simple recipe makes it a tradition worth bringing back!
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 2/3 cup (150 mL) granulated sugar
- 4 cups (1 L) 2% milk
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) nutmeg, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground mace
- Pinch cloves
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) spiced rum (optional)
- 1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- In a large saucepan, whisk together eggs and sugar until well combined. Whisk in milk. Add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, mace, and cloves; place over medium heat and whisk gently for about 10 minutes or until mixture has small bubbles around the edge of the pan and the thermometer reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Whisk in rum (if desired) and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
- In a bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Dollop each cup of egg nog with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
Variations
Chocolate Egg Nog: Whisk in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of high-quality cocoa powder into the egg and sugar mixture and continue with the recipe.
Maple Ginger Egg Nog: Omit granulated sugar and substitute 1/2 cup (125 mL) pure maple syrup. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh peeled ginger, thinly sliced, or 2 tsp (10 mL) ground ginger with cinnamon sticks and continue with the recipe.
Chai Egg Nog: Add ten crushed green cardamom pods and 6 black peppercorns with cinnamon sticks and continue with the recipe.
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
Ontario eggs are healthy, easy to prepare, affordable and produced by local farmers. Egg Farmers of Ontario is pleased to offer you recipes, cooking techniques and tips to simplify meal preparation.
