Eggs as a frugal dish

Today I’m joining lifeasmom for Frugal Friday.

One trick I use to keep our grocery bill down is eggs.  This is not a new idea and has been around for years – see video below.  Grocery stores run eggs on sale fairly often.  At costco you can get 18 eggs for a little under $1.50.  I like eggs b/c they are satisfying and don’t leave you empty feeling 30 minutes later.  Our family of 5 eats at least 18 eggs per week.  Many people don’t eat eggs b/c they think they’ll gain weight.  I’m not a nutrition expert or medical professional, but can say (for our family) eggs do not put on the pounds.  Eating an egg mcmuffin will add weight, but a  boiled egg with homemade wheat toast does not.

I know there are egg Nazis reading this.  I don’t eat free range organic eggs or eggs fresh from the farm.  And eggs have cholesterol – yes I said that dirty word.   If you have the budget to spend $3 plus for a dozen eggs with special omegas, go for it.  If you don’t have the money, then eat the eggs on sale at the store and cut out the processed Eggos or packaged nutrigrain bars that have more sugar than wheat.   I have a problem with people who refuse to eat eggs b/c of the calories / cholesterol, but then eat processed food or stop at McDonalds on the way to work b/c they don’t have anything healthy in their fridge.

Here’s a few uses for eggs at our house:

• Breakfast.  I send Dave breakfast to work each morning.  (see pic below)  If I send him a huge breakfast, then he doesn’t need to spend $$$ on a large lunch.  I’d rather pack breakfast than lunch because it is so easy and doesn’t take much time.  I usually send 2 eggs with a bread and a fruit.  If I have extra time, I’ll make him an omelet packed with veggies.  My 5 year old also loves eggs for breakfast and gets to practice using a knife with this dish.  I let her cut up her own fried egg with a dull butter knife.  I’ll eat 2 eggs for breakfast at least once a week, maybe more.
• weekend quiche.  About once a month, I’ll make a quiche for the fridge.  It is great for mid-morning breakfast or late night snack.  And better for you than processed chips.  It is our fast food.  My husband trains for marathons, so on the weekends he needs the extra calories.  This is a quick fix without me being in the kitchen all weekend.
• Stretching casseroles.  I use eggs as a glue in many of my casseroles such as meatloaf or fried rice.  It helps stretch my meat and acts as the glue.
• Baked goods such as muffins or pancakes.  I like baked goods with lots of eggs to add protein.  You get the whole wheat carb and the protein in one bite.

In the depression they used eggs as a meat replacement.  Have you see the video of 91 year old Clara making depression egg soup.  It is fabulous.

Here’s a pic of Dave’s breakfast this morning.  Included:  2 fried eggs, 2 blueberry banana wheat/oat muffins and fresh cantelope.  I try to send on a plate he can toss.  I line with foil so the plate doesn’t get soggy and the egg stays warm.  I also save my plastic containers from butter spread / etc and use from fruit.