When hosting brunch, it's easy to delight guests. Most will assume you'll serve at least one entree, a side dish or two, fruit, a bread, and coffee and juice. Eggs are well-suited for morning get-togethers because they cook in minutes and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few pointers to help create fabulous egg dishes.
Pour beaten egg mixture into the prepared skillet. As the eggs start to set, gently pull them across the pan with an inverted spatula or wooden spoon, forming large soft curds. Continue lifting and folding the eggs until the mixture has thickened and no visible liquid remains.
Place 2-3 inches of water in a skillet with high sides; add 1 tablespoon vinegar. (Acidic poaching liquid makes it easier to get good results.) Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer gently. Break a cold egg into a cup or saucer; holding the cup close to the surface of the water, slip egg into water. Repeat with next egg.
Heat oil or butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Tilt pan to ensure entire bottom is coated with butter. Add egg mixture to skillet (mixture should set immediately at the edges). As eggs start to set, push the cooked edges toward the center, letting the uncooked portion flow underneath. Repeat until eggs are set and there’s no visible liquid.
Spoon filling on top of one half; fold the other half over the filling and cook to desired doneness. Slide the omelet onto a plate.
Break egg into a cup and gently slide into pan. Reduce heat to low. Cook slowly, uncovered, until the whites are completely firm and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Carefully slide a spatula under the egg and flip. Continue cooking, uncovered, until desired doneness is reached.
Test egg dishes containing beaten eggs—like quiche, strata or custard—for doneness by inserting a knife near the center of the dish. If the knife comes out clean, the eggs are cooked.
Slices of crispy bacon are a favorite accompaniment to eggs, pancakes and waffles. Cooked bacon loses its crisp texture when refrigerated, however, so it’s not an ideal make-ahead food. Frying up a lot of bacon as guests arrive isn’t ideal either, so consider this simple solution.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Line one or two baking sheets with foil, and arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the sheets. Bake 15-20 minutes or until crisp. Switch position of baking sheets halfway through cooking. Remove the sheets from the oven carefully.