Teen Breakfast Makeover Challenge

When he’s not hanging out with his girlfriend, my son Ben seems to spend almost every Saturday night at his best friend’s house. I became convinced that it wasn’t Fernando’s company he was craving . . . but the Silva’s Sunday morning breakfast.  If Fernando Sr wasn’t taking whoever crashed at their house to the local diner, you could find the kids whipping up a monstrous batch of Eggs ala Silva. This culinary delight makes its claim to fame with four main ingredients – EGGS, HOT DOGS, CORN, and CHEESE. At first glance, the dish may seem a hopeless convert to the healthy side. But I was determined to transform it into my own, more nutritious version. Would it bring Ben back home? It was worth a try.

Here’s how I modified the ingredients:

• Corn – In the summer, use fresh corn on the cob, if you have it left over from the night before. Nothing, but nothing, beats the taste. Otherwise, opt for plain frozen corn, no salt, OR canned corn, free of salt or sugar.
• Eggs – Organic, free range
• Hot dogs – I’ve tested many over the years and have found Applegate Farms Uncured Beef Hot Dogs the best tasting. One hot dog has only 90 calories, 6 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 380mg of sodium.
• Cheese – Reduced fat cheddar instead of full fat

Recipe Instructions (makes 3 teen boy-size servings)

• 1/2 Tbs butter (yeah, the real thing)
• 1 cup corn
• 6 organic eggs, beaten
• 2 uncured hot dogs, diced or chopped
• 2 oz reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

Melt butter in large frying pan. Add corn and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add eggs and scramble until they begin to set. Toss in chopped hot dogs. Top with cheese (or mix in, whatever they prefer).

That’s it. Split into three servings, the dish has about 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, 25 grams protein, and 12 grams carb per serving. I usually pair it with a slice or two of whole wheat toast and some type of fruit, usually melon, grapes, strawberries, or whatever is fresh and in the fridge at the time.

Do the kids love my version? You bet. Did it bring Ben back to roost on Sunday mornings? Not a chance. I’ll have to settle for lunch and dinner.