Croque Monsieur/Madame

Rachael makes what she calls a “BLD,” a meal that works for breakfast/brunch, lunch or dinner. This BLD is a great Spanish-influenced ham and cheese sandwich called a Croque Monsieur. When topped with an egg, it is a Croque Madame.

This sandwich combines Spanish-style ham and eggs, potato hash, asparagus and toasted whole grain bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and olive oil. All of this is topped with fresh eggs cooked to perfection any way you prefer. Rachael prepares the eggs over easy, which is her husband’s favorite. Rachael makes this dish her own by adding a deviled ham spread alongside the traditional béchamel sauce. Rachael serves the dish with a side of broiled grapefruit.

Rachael reminds us that eating eggs are a great way to “stretch a buck” at $0.15 each, and they are a great, cheap source of protein!

Ribollita Strata

Rachael takes a new spin on an Italian classic with her Ribollita Strata. This is an inexpensive, easy make-ahead casserole to enjoy at home with family or share with a group. Eggs make this hearty recipe an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. Even better news, eggs are now 14 percent lower in cholesterol than originally thought!

Ribollita is a stale bread Italian soup from Tuscany. Rachael incorporates the “Incredible Protein” by adding nine eggs to the traditional mixture of cubed peasant-style bread, onion, carrot, celery and Tuscan kale. After 45 minutes in the oven, top this dish off with grated parmesan cheese and a little “EVOO” for a delicious “Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner”. This meal is guaranteed to please the whole family!

Smoky Huevos Rancheros

Smoky Huevos Rancheros is another recipe in Rachael’s “Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner” category recipes. Taking eggs out of the breakfast-only category is a great way to deliver nutritious protein throughout the day, and this family-pleaser also makes terrific brunch on the weekends.

The base of this dish is a baked tortilla layered with a hearty filling of chopped chorizo and black beans. The smoky, spicy flavor comes through in the tomato-based sauce, which is easy to prepare in a food processor and simmer on the stove with a hint of cinnamon. Sprinkle with soft cheese and chopped avocado before finishing with eggs on top, any style.

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and this meal is set!