Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches - Without The Drive-through!

    I'll admit it, I like the occasional drive through breakfast sandwich. The english muffin, fluffy egg, cheese and slice of "Canadian" bacon, warm and toasty, is just good on some mornings. The main issue is I can't usually get my RV THROUGH the drive-thru! Even though it's only 99" tall, most fast food places are lower or sure LOOK like they are! Not worth the risk. So what to do? I've got the solution and it's a simple one. Those of you who read this column know that's a pretty rare thing indeed.

Easiest and only 65 Seconds of Power

First, the ingredients. Pretty obvious. An English muffin, brand of your choice. A slice of cheese, for this I use a yellow American slice, closer to the fast food style that way. A slice of ham. Almost any will do, however a smoked variety works best. I like to slice it (or have it sliced at the deli counter) thicker than I would for a typical cold cuts style sandwich. And lastly, an egg. Eggs usually get a bad rap. They have been demonized as being arterial clog-meisters and who-knows-what-else bad for you. I do use an egg substitute in a carton for almost everything breakfast-wise simply because it's easier to store and travel with. However, for this recipe/technique, a real egg is truly better.

Typical Stove-Top Toaster

Now for the hardware. First you've got to toast the muffin. If you've got lots of power or are hooked up to shore power than any toaster will do. If you've got limited power resources we have to go back to some turn of the century tools. Believe me, you CAN make decent piece of toast with a propane stove-top. I have a toaster that just sits on the burner and holds 4 pieces (I usually just do 2 of them. English muffins have to be balanced nicely but they work fine). Set it up, turn on the flame to medium and watch until golden brown and delicious. Remember the toaster will be HOT! While you're using your toasting apparatus fire up the microwave for step 2!

Typical Microwave Egg Steamer

First, you gotta buy one of these microwave egg steamers. I have 2 of them, purchased many moons ago. They have separate lids and can steam 2 eggs each. There are several variations on the device now, so you don't need to be too picky. They all work the same way. Spray some kind of non-stick cooking spray into the bottom half. You could also spread some butter or margarine in the bottom cup as well. It makes for a MUCH easier process and clean-up. Then crack one (or two) egg(s) into the cup(s) and poke a few holes in the yolk and the white with a fork or knife tip. Even a toothpick would work. Whatever's handy is fine. This will let steam escape and prevent an egg "blowout".  You could still eat it, but it wouldn't be "pretty." Put the cover on or close the lid, depending on what model you've purchased, then place in the microwave. Set the microwave on HIGH for 65 seconds. You may have to vary the time depending on the power of your particular microwave. You'll hear a muted POP from the oven...no worries, that's the egg cooking from the inside out. When done the yolk will be fluffy and the white perfectly cooked and moist. You can heat blast it, but the dried remains aren't all that terrific!

 I usually cook the ham slice(s) on the stove-top as well. Just slap a slice or two in a non-stick pan and heat until its warm and a bit crispy on the outside. NOT BURNT! No oil or shortening needed for this.Should only take a minute or two depending on the thickness of your ham. Remember, smoked is better!



Slide the egg out (you did use non-stick spray, right?) onto the toasted English muffin, top with a slice of cheese and a thick slice of ham. Close it up...wait a few moments. I usually pour some coffee right about now. Then enjoy. the cheese will be melted and everything works well together. No drive-thru danger experienced!

Be Seeing You....Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com

P.S. Hey, it's Winter, again! If you any suggestions for articles, let me know, I'm going slowly crazy not being able to go someplace in my RV!