Welcome to the First Saturday in December

The first Saturday of every month is supposed to be National Play Outside Day. I’ve used this for inspiration when I haven’t found anything else to talk about. Personally, I find it funny that this generation needs to be reminded to play outside. My generation, and those before me, certainly didn’t need a reminder.

I can remember as a child thinking how wonderful God was at Christmas. Growing up in the central valley of California, the weather was either wet (rain) or dry (no rain) and it was either hot (summer) or cold (winter). There were no seasons to speak of. The wind blew every March, which was kite season. Flowers bloomed in May, so that was spring. It was hot all summer long. And cold and crisp all winter. It could rain for days and days leading up to Christmas morning. But never on Christmas. I was convinced (and still am) that the lack of rain was the hand of God. He knew there would be roller skates or a new bike or some other wonderful outdoor gift from Santa waiting under the tree. And the sun came out on Christmas morning. The streets filled with children playing and puppies barking and balls bouncing. And I always felt so blessed.

I wonder, do children still feel that magic and realize God loves them? Do their hearts burst with the joy that can only come from above? I hope so. To this day, I still believe in the spirit of Santa and in the blessings from above.

Growing up, we didn’t eat out much. When we traveled, Dad packed a cooler and Mom made bologna sandwiches for the road. I have no idea what made those sandwiches taste so good. There was something about being on the open road, surrounded by family, that just made everything special. Every once in a while, we’d get a hamburger from A&W. Those were the best. So fast food wasn’t something I thought about as a child. It still isn’t. But I do like to recreate that fast food experience at home.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make just one sandwich (I did this morning since it’s just me); or two or ten. Your only limitation is the number of egg rings you own. Now you could use the rings from a mason jar. Or invest in rings – they don’t cost much. Having that handle to lift the ring from the egg is so convenient.

It’s always nice to start the day with something warm to eat – especially if you plan to play outside. Whatever you do, make it count. And give thanks to the Lord above.

English Egg Muffin
4 English Muffins
4 tablespoons Butter
4 slices American Cheese
4 large Eggs
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper
1/4 cup Water
8 slices Canadian Bacon

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Light spray the foil with cooking spray, place in the oven to warm.

Split English Muffins, toast until golden brown. Butter cut side of muffins. Arrange muffins on the warmed baking sheet, cut side up. Place a slice of each on 4 of the muffins, hold in the warm oven until ready to use. The cheese will melt beautifully.

Lightly grease the inside of 4 egg rings with vegetable oil. Lightly grease a skillet tall enough to hold the rings and have a lid. Let the skillet and rings get hot together over medium heat.

Crack eggs, one at a time, in a small bowl, then pour egg into the ring. Let cook for just a minute or so, then pierce the yolk with the tip of a knife and scramble just the yolk without incorporating the white of the egg. Season eggs with salt and pepper.

Pour water around the outside of the rings, cover skillet with a lid and let eggs steam-fry for abut 3 minutes, until the whites are fully set. Remove skillet from heat. Gently life the egg rings to reveal perfectly round eggs.

Remove the muffins from the oven. With a spatula, gently lift the eggs from the skillet, place on top of the melted cheese.

Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Cook Canadian Bacon for about a minute or so on each side. Slide 2 slices of hot bacon on top of each egg. Top with remaining half of muffin to complete the sandwich, serve and enjoy.

Air Fryer Fast Food Style Hash Brown Patties
Cooking Spray
4 frozen Hans Brown Potato Patties
Salt to taste

Spray the fryer basket with cooking spray. Heat air fryer to 400-degrees, cooking time for 15 minutes.

After 5 minutes, pause fryer. Arrange patties in the basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray, season with salt.

Air fry the patties for 6 minutes. Pause, flip patties over, continue to air fry for the remaining 4 minutes. Serve alongside the English Egg Muffin for that better than fast-food breakfast.

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You sons of men, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt Him above all forever