Its one in the morning and I am awakened by the grumbling in my stomach and the screaming of my taste buds. I am definitely having a snack craving. We've all been there. Its an occasional yearning for me and it never seems to happen when I go to bed hungry, rather, it happens when I have eaten my fair share of food for the day. Last night I woke up at 11pm. I had only been sleeping an hour or so when the urge to stumble squinty eyed into the kitchen and ravage the fridge and pantry for a remedy to cure my food craving. Earlier in the evening I had a great salad and a filling protein drink. I had made Snickerdoodle cookies, only 3 so I wouldn't gorge myself and I froze the remaining dough for later indulgences. However, my cravings were stronger than the cookie which stared up at me, lonely and single on the plate for which it rested. I needed something more, something, well, satisfying. I kept opening the fridge thinking something would appear magically, you know what I'm talking about. I only clicked the overhead light of the stove for my late night scurrying. My contacts were taking there time getting adjusted to my sudden leap out of bed. I have a few favorites for these moments. A few food finds that I try to keep stocked in case such an emergency should arise. The first is ice cream, preferably coffee ice cream. After opening the freezer door no less than 3 times, it became reality that I had not stocked that option. I needed more anyway. I needed salt!
I had some 2 day old Brioche left over from a way too greedy shopping spree at the bakery. I knew I had cheese but wasn't sure of its pasture. Digging through the fridge in search of a perfect cheese combo to complete my ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich, eyes squinted, I only came up with bleu and swiss cheese. Nope, neither were appetizing this late. The time clicked by during my search and 11:30pm was now upon me. A midnight snack was closely reporting for duty. My craving for a grilled cheese had consumed my mind and for a mere moment, I almost got dressed and ran to the grocery store for the right cheese. I love my grilled cheese with Gruyere and/or white cheddar and mustard. I couldn't justify a lazy approach to curb my pangs by using Swiss cheese. I shut the fridge door, then opened it quickly just to see if perhaps I missed anything. Nope. The wilted fennel was still there...alongside eggs...hmmmm, eggs.
Eureka!!! I love scrambled eggs as a midnight snack. (Sidenote: The best eggs on the market are Phil's, unbelievable flavor and the brightest orange/yellow yolk ever. No, I am not being paid by Phil's to say that, yet). I pulled the eggs, one at a time, out of their snuggled up, cold container being careful not to drop one. My cravings were to too strong for a splattered egg on the floor. I grabbed the milk, some herbs; parsley, thyme and tarragon and the remaining "dash" of grated Romano cheese all out of the fridge and I was set!!. Ahhh, herbed scrambled eggs, perfect. I heated my non-stick fry pan, dabbed in a little butter and began to assemble my eggs and herbs. My eyes had lifted by now. I scrambled the 3 eggs in a bowl, added salt,pepper and the chopped herbs and a dash of milk. Ready, set, go!!! Into the hot pan, the smell immediately filling my nose, mind and stomach. I prefer my scrambled eggs a bit on the runny side, not soupy, just creamy. I stirred them as if they were going to be my last meal, ever so careful to create the large sized scrambles I love so much. Ahhh, the smell. 12am on the dot, I plated my eggs. Leaning against the kitchen counter I ate with restrain savoring every mouthful. I was satisfied. Midnight craving subdued, I headed back to bed. I tossed and turned until I finally gave in, again, and got up. I made my coffee, checked my mail, watched the news and sat frustrated that I couldn't get that sleepy feeling back. At 5am, I thought to myself; "I wonder how many more eggs and herbs are available in my refrigerated section of my kitchen?" And, without much thought, I marched right back and made myself another healthy portion. So started my day.
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