This edition published by Parragon Books Ltd in 2016 and distributed by
Parragon Inc.
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LOVE FOOD is an imprint of Parragon Books Ltd
Copyright Parragon Books Ltd 2016
LOVE FOOD and the accompanying heart device is a registered trademark of Parragon Books Ltd in the USA, the UK, Australia, India, and the EU.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electric, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ISBN: 978-1-4723-9821-5
Cover photography by Tony Briscoe
New recipes by Teresa Goldfinch
New recipe photography by Kris Kirkham
New home economy by Lucy-Ruth Hathaway
Notes for the Reader
This book uses standard kitchen measuring spoons and cups. All spoon and cup measurements are level unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise stated, milk is assumed to be whole, eggs are large, individual vegetables and fruits are medium, and pepper is freshly ground black pepper. A pinch of salt is calculated as 1 16 of a teaspoon. Unless otherwise stated, all root vegetables should be peeled prior to using.
Garnishes, decorations, and serving suggestions are all optional and not necessarily included in the recipe ingredients or method. Any optional ingredients and seasoning to taste are not included in the nutritional analysis.
The times given are only an approximate guide. Preparation times differ according to the techniques used by different people and the cooking times may also vary from those given. Optional ingredients, variations, or serving suggestions have not been included in the time calculations.
While the publisher of the book and the original author(s) of the recipes and other text have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, anyone reading this book should note the following important points:
Medical and pharmaceutical knowledge is constantly changing and the author(s) and the publisher cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the contents of this book;
In any event, this book is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon, as a substitute for appropriate, tailored professional advice. Both the author(s) and the publisher strongly recommend that a physician or other healthcare professional is consulted before embarking on major dietary changes;
For the reasons set out above, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, the author(s) and publisher: (i) cannot and do not accept any legal duty of care or responsibility in relation to the accuracy or appropriateness of the contents of this book, even where expressed as advice or using other words to this effect; and (ii) disclaim any liability, loss, damage, or risk that may be claimed or incurred as a consequencedirectly or indirectlyof the use and/or application of any of the contents of this book.
For best results, use a food thermometer when cooking meat. Check the latest government guidelines for current advice.
Introduction
Eggs have been an important part of our diet since prehistory. Wild fowl have been domesticated in India as early as 3200 BC, although domesticated chickens have been in Europe since only 600 BC, when jungle fowl native to tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia and India were brought there. Originally quail and ostrich were the main source of eggs. In ancient Rome, eggs were often preserved and then served as a course in their own right. Its believed that the first chickens were taken to the Americas by Columbus on his second voyage there in 1493.
Of course, we now eat more chicken eggs than any other eggs, but it is possible to buy eggs from other species of bird, such as ducks, geese, and quails. Chicken eggs are available year round (thanks to the use of artificial light), but birds normally lay eggs in springso this is the season when other eggs are more readily available in the stores.
Common Varieties & Breeds
CHICKEN
There are many breeds of chicken. Not only are they raised intensively by the poultry industry, but these birds are popular among backyard chicken enthusiasts. Breeds may be chosen for the eggs they lay. A heavy breed (such as Rhode Island Red) produces darker brown eggs, while a light breed (such as the White Leghorn) lay white or light-colored eggs. Some breeds are selected for their large eggs; others, for a greater number of smaller eggs. Breeds may also be chosen because they are hardythey can thrive in cold weather. Standard chicken egg sizes vary from small to jumbo (12 ounces), with a large egg (2 ounces) being the standard egg size used in recipes. Bantams, a small chicken breed, lay eggs at only 11 ounces. These have a dark yolk and a 50:50 ratio of yolk to white, which is much higher than that of a standard chicken egg.
DUCK
The larger, duck eggs tend to weigh 33 ounces. Their higher fat content and light, creamy yolks make them richer than chicken eggs.
GOOSE
The translucent ivory shell of these eggs is unique, as is their size. They weigh in at 67 ounces each, making them really substantial. One goose egg is the equivalent of 2 large chicken eggs. The flavor is rich and creamy.
QUAIL
These tiny eggs are one-quarter of the size of chicken eggs and are cute. Their small speckled shells contain delicate eggs with pale yolks. It takes just 30 seconds to soft boil them and theyre perfect for canaps.
THE LESS WELL-KNOWN
There are also some less well-known eggs that, if you can find them, will add a little wow factor to any dinner party.
Unlike chicken eggs, these may not be available year round, and you may have to search for them in gourmet food stores or online.
Why not seek out rhea eggs? The rhea is a bird that closely resembles an ostrich and provides large eggs that are light and fluffy and highly versatile. You could try an actual ostrich egg, but be sure you allow enough time to cook them, because they can take 50 minutes simply to soft boil and a somewhat lengthy 2 hours to hard boil.
Another overlooked egg type is that from the guinea fowl, which is small and delicate. You can also try pheasant eggs, which have beautiful olive-green and brown shells and a rich flavor.
One large chicken egg contains
70 CALORIES
6 G PROTEIN
5 G TOTAL FAT
1.5 G SATURATED FAT
185 MG CHOLESTEROL
Perfect Eggs
The benefits of eating eggs cannot be overestimated. A large chicken egg contains around 70 calories and is a good source of all the essential nutrients. Eggs contain high-quality protein, the macronutrient that best satisfies hunger. They also contain essential vitamins, including vitamin A, needed for healthy skin and good vision; vitamin D, which is deficient in many peoples diets; vitamin E, which may help reduce the incidence of heart disease, certain cancers, and strokes; and the B vitamins. Vitamin B2 is needed for metabolizing food and vitamin B12 helps brain function and provides energy. B12 is often lacking in the diet of vegetarians and older people.