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Lemon-Basil Eggs Focaccia
Slice off the top of a whole loaf of ciabatta or sour dough (or any favorite bread). Hollow it out with your fingers and then turn the top crust and soft insides of the bread into bread crumbs. The food processor is best for this. Grate the zest of a lemon and mix with 3 T extra virgin olive oil and brush the interior of the loaf. Bake empty loaf 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Beat 6 to 8 eggs, depending on the size of the loaf and the number of people you're feeding, with 3/4 c milk, the bread crumbs, 2 to 3 T melted butter (or you may use more oil) plus 1/2 favorite grated cheese like parmesan and 2 to 3 T favorite chopped herbs (I use basil and parsley--anything will work).
Fill loaf with egg mixture and bake 350 degrees F until eggs are set, but don't overcook unless you like really done eggs. I bake mine about 15 to 25 minutes. This is so easy when you get used to it. You can experiment and use your own favorite ingredients, just like an omelet. Remove and let cool about 10 minutes and cut into 2 inch slices, serving very warm. This with fruit or melon is a meal!
Breakfast Pizza
Select your favorite pizza crust recipe which makes either one or two crusts. You can use the envelope variety or Jiffy crust in the little blue box if it's available in your area.
Roll out crust(s) and allow to rest and rise a little (15 to 20 minutes). Spread crust(s) with soft butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar you made with 1/2 c sugar and 1 t cinnamon.
Bake until hot 10 to 15 minutes. Spread each crust with 1/2 c mascarpone cheese to which you have added the zest of a half a lemon and 1/4 t lemon extract -- if you have it. I add a few teaspoons sugar to the cheese. The recipe does not call for it.
Top each crust with your favorite berries or berry mixture (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, which are my choice, or raspberries). If you like, you may use a half cup of dried berries instead of fresh -- if you have not had dried blueberries, please treat yourself. They have a heavenly taste and fragrance, but you don't need nearly as many. Remember blue berries are being touted as the best anti-aging food! They seem to have a higher concentration of anti-oxidants than any other berry!
Bon appetite!
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Reverend Phil Bratcher has been a counselor in private practice for over 10 years. Now in his 25th year of ministry, Reverend Bratcher has worked mostly as a therapist and spiritual counselor specializing in spiritual direction, the relief of depression, life strategies and career planning, long-term illness and relationship issues for couples. He is also trained in The Work of Byron Katie, teaching individuals and facilitating groups in the faith community and his community at large.
Often a featured speaker, Reverend Bratcher is a volunteer chaplain for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Upstate Coordinator for the South Carolina Global Warming Campaign for the Christian Action Council in Columbia, South Carolina, and is past Secretary to the Executive Board for Greenville Faith Communities United which seeks social justice and interfaith understanding.
Reverend Bratcher makes his home in Greenville, SC, where he is a member of the Metropolitan Community Church and is their interfaith representative to GFCU and past chair of their outreach and singles committees. E-mail Phil at Peacefulstar@msn.com.
To read Phil's poetry, click here:
A Sampling
Bratcher - II
Bratcher - III
Bratcher - IV
And here are several of his excellent recipes:
Lace cookies
Pimento Cheese Spread
Sweet Potato Soup
Lemon Meringue Pie & more
Want to leave a comment about Phil’s poems and recipes?
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or write Ye Editor at bethjacks@hotmail.com.
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