Breakfast Carbonara

I may have mentioned that this past week my husband and I were on Spring Break [let's take a moment a remember...ahh]. With both of us being teachers, we happily got to enjoy this time off together. Originally we had planned to go away, but with gas prices soaring and serious-relaxation needed...we decided to make it a stay-cation instead. Truth be told- it was the best stay-cation I've ever had!! We slept in late [which for me is 8:30--watch out!], went to the movies, stayed in our pj's until noon, went on day trips, and seriously just enjoyed not having an agenda what-so-ever.

Our non-agenda having schedule led to late breakfasty-brunchy meals like this one! My good ole' use whatcha got mentality gave birth to this little bowl of heaven. Have it for a breakfasty-brunchy meal of your own--or have breakfast for dinner [one of my faves!].

Breakfast Carbonara served over Butter Grits
serves 2

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups jarred marinara
• salt + pepper to taste
• 1-2 tsp of lemon juice
• 2 packets of instant butter grits [Quaker Instant Butter Grits]
• 1 cup pepperoni, sliced 
• 1-2 tbsp EVOO

1. saute spinach in EVOO over med-high heat until wilted. sprinkle with lemon juice and salt + pepper.
2. add marinara and pepperoni and stir well to combine. then create 2 holes in the middle of the marinara mixture. in those holes crack the eggs. cover and cook eggs to desired hardness.
3. meanwhile- cook instant grits in microwave according to package instructions. 
4. serve by layering grits in shallow bowl and topping with marinara + egg mixture. 

this dish is an unlikely combination, but trust me when I say it works.

spicy, savory, and buttery goodness! as my husband said, "this one stays in the rotation!"

p.s. shout out to Michelle for naming this dish! thanks Meeshy! ;)

breakfast of champions

morning! saturday mornings' mean breakfast in our pjs, no alarm clock, catching up over coffee, and staying in our pjs until it may no longer be "morning." saturday mornings also mean I have time to make things like this...

Poached Eggs with Soy Sausage and Butter Grits 
240 calories. seriously!

• eggs
• soy sausage [Morningstar is the best!]
• instant butter grits
• green onions
• salt + pepper 

1. cook grits + sausage according to directions. 
2. poach eggs [[add 2 tsbp of vinegar to gently boiling water]] 
3. layer a bowl with grits, sausage, and eggs.
4. sprinkle with green onions and s+p to taste. 

enjoy! 

not sure how to poach eggs? check out this how-to. trust me--it takes practice. don't be hard on yourself if they aren't perfect the 1st time 'round. ;)