Going Local Week: Eggs

So here in Indiana, it's Going Local Week. It actually started yesterday, but I was out and about picking up some local foods, so we didn't cook. One of my stops yesterday was at one of my family member's small farm. We almost exclusivley get our eggs from them. I have nothing against large scale operations. But if I can save a buck or two each week by having these lovely ladies provide me with a dozen or so eggs, then the husband and I can treat ourselves to a nice dinner out somewhere with the money saved.

Here's the dozen we picked up yesterday. Most of these gals lay brown eggs, but we do get the occasional green, and yes, blue. That's not photoshop my friend. That is actually a blue egg.

I love boiled eggs. The problem we have in our house is the dog. A couple of years ago, gypsy ate a snake. Yes, I know. Completely disgusting. She got incredibly sick. As it turns out, snakes are loaded with bacteria, many of which are very dangerous to dogs. She ended up with THREE bacterial infections and was off dog food for almost a month. The special diet was boiled eggs, cottage cheese, rice and Sprite cubes. She ate two tablespoons of the eggs/cottage cheese/rice mixture and one to two Sprite cubes every 2 hours, day and night. Let me tell you, that was a whole mess of boiled eggs...all of which were graciously provided by the chickens above. Anyway, now any time I make boiled eggs, she thinks they are for her and will maul you to get to one.

Egg Salad

What you'll need:

• 8 hard-boiled eggs, diced (plus one for the dog)
•  3/4 cup mayo 
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup minced onion (We love onion so you may want to decrease this)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard 
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill weed (or one dill pickle spear, chopped finely)

 As the link above illustrates, there are many opinions on how long to boil eggs. For me, I lay out my eggs on the counter and put a large pot of water on to boil. That will let the eggs slightly warm up while you're waiting for the water. When the water starts boiling, I gently put the eggs in and let it boil for 15 minutes. Then I turn the burner off and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Next, I take the pan of hot water and eggs and put it in the sink and turn on the cold water. I let the cold water run over the eggs for about 5 minutes, then put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until I'm ready to peel them.

In a large bowl, put in the eggs (peeled and diced) and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well with a fork. To me, egg salad is better when it's had a chance to set and really soak up the flavors. It can also be eaten right away.

Don't forget to put your egg shells in your compost bin!

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