Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Eggs Aplenty

At this time of year, I am always looking for ways to use our hens’ eggs. In the spring, they lay with wild abandon. I deliver them to friend’s houses, leaving them without a note on their front porch, hoping they will find them and won’t step on them. And then I rack my brain for ways we can eat them – fried for breakfast, in an egg salad sandwich (I add sweet relish and capers and it is wonderful), deviled for an old fashioned appetizer, and in a frittata for dinner.

One of my favorite uses for eggs is to make an afternoon batch of popovers. A few years ago I invested in a popover pan and it makes the most beautiful specimens that easily pop out of the pan. I also don't have to fool around with small ramekins or the every other placement in a muffin pan. I like Julia Child’s recipe for popovers from Baking with Julia. It differs from this recipe – it has one extra egg and two tablespoons of melted butter. She suggests whirring it all in a blender and sifting out the lumpy flour. It takes about 3 minutes to make. The hard part is the waiting and not being able to open the oven while they bake.


And then, after the required 45 minutes in the oven, I open it, and there is this sheer magical little thing. It's amazing what a little flour, eggs, butter, and milk can become. I crack it open and the steam escapes. The center is filled with a semi-gooey, eggy goodness. With a little jam and some tea or coffee, it transports me to another place - much slower and saner than the modern world.


There is a local restaurant in Amherst called Judie's which is well known for its eclectic menu featuring popovers. It's worth a visit if you come this way.

5 comments:

Marcy said...

But Judie's popovers are the size of a human head. Yours look much nicer. :D

Anonymous said...

Mmm, mm. Popovers are a favorite holiday treat in my house. The Hubby and I added them to the holiday menu along with roasted goose and creamed pearl onions when we were first married and trying to find our own traditions.

The violets are popping up in the yard, meanss we'll be making violet jam soon - I'll send you up a jar!

Anonymous said...

I remember Judie's fondly from my college days--those popovers were well worth the round-trip from Northampton on the Five College bus. (In those days, Boho Noho hadn't yet become the eclectic restaurant capital of the Pioneer Valley.)

Anonymous said...

I've been thiking about a popover pan, but I don't think I've ever even eaten a popover. They look really delicious, though! Maybe that will be one of my next purchases!

Michelle said...

POPOVERS! My favorite.. I have to make them at least once a month.. usually my late night craving. ! Soo good hot from the oven with butter.. and a cup of cocoa.
Try using a giant muffing pan.. you get Gigantic popovers!

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