In the kitchen: Inspirations from Macy’s Culinary Council

Last week The Bee and I attended Macy’s Culinary Council’s Philadelphia event where we had the pleasure to meet and chat with Chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Allow me a moment gush over Chef Marcus who took the time to make each guest feel welcome and important and answered every question with detail and respect.

We met Chef Marcus at Macy’s Center City during Macy’s Culinary Council Event

At the event I wandered through Macy’s Center City Home section a bit anxious. I’ve got scores of kitchen gadgets but rarely use them. I don’t think of myself as someone who can cook. I make food but creating a meal that is savored and enjoyed is something that is always out of my reach.

This weekend was a rainy soggy mess of a weekend so while procrastinating and not doing laundry I decided to put some of those gadgets to use.

During the event we purchased a wok. Chef Marcus recommended a wok as one of the things people should have in their arsenal of kitchen tools so I said Yes, Chef and grabbed one. Saturday night The Bee and I went for it and created a delicious and light meal of stir fry beef and veggies.

Wok purchased at Macy’s Center City Culinary Council Event

Encouraged by The Bee’s enthusiastic response for dinner, breakfast became more than a routine affair. Last week I read a blog which featured bacon and eggs made in muffin tins in the oven.

My family and I like bacon, I love eggs so let’s do it.

Ingredients

Bacon (we used Oscar Meyer Center Cut Bacon but I think we need something a bit more meatier)

Three eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

To create a meal for two: line a muffin tin with slices of bacon and put them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until bacon is a little crisp.

While the bacon is cooking, mix eggs. (I like scrambled eggs but I’ve seen recipes made with sunny side up eggs).

Bacon Eggs Muffin Cups inspired by Macy’s Center City Culinary Council Event

Add egg mixture and let cook until eggs are desired firmness.

Bacon Eggs Muffin Cups inspired by Macy’s Center City Culinary Council Event

Thoughts:

We used Oscar Meyer’s Center Cut Bacon which, while tasty, did not make a good cup. We only used one slice but I think the next time we may use two slices to ensure better cups. Or I need something that was a little thicker to actually form a cup.

Cleanup was not easy. The cups didn’t just pop out of the tin as a few posts suggested; the eggs stuck a bit to the side. Not a big deal but just something to note.

Even my picky teen enjoyed this and she claims she doesn’t like eggs so score! She liked that it was a little muffin and that she could eat t with her hands and she also said hers was filling.

This was an easy meal of some of our favorite staples, quick to make and very filling. It didn’t break my calories and I’m feeling adventurous and more confident in the kitchen.

Tell me…what are your favorite recipes? I’m ready to try all the things in the kitchen!

Have an “eggcellent” day!

-r