Day One success and a new recipe

Day One equated to success for Mark, with $.96 to spare!  This is quite impressive, and I was elated to see so many healthy choices for each of his meals.  With that much to spare, maybe he could have afforded the fresh blueberries!  To help fill the hunger gap at lunch with the split peas, a nutritious and economical option could have been to add a glass of milk (1 cup equates to ~ $.20).  Although there was some to be found in the "Crouching Macaroni and Hidden Squash, " Day One was a little lacking in calcium and vitamin D when it comes to meeting Mark's daily requirements.  In fact, three cups of milk (one with each meal) would have added just $.60 to his food bill, still leaving $.36 left to spend.  This would have boosted his protein intake by 24 grams, and added another ~390 calories (amount in 2% milk) to his day, for a grand total of 1974 calories.  Maybe something to consider for another day. 

Also, we’ll have to work on the coffee consumption, but more on that one later : ).  For now, I have another great recipe for Mark to try.  This one is simple to make and is packed with protein, a macronutrient of particular importance to Mark as he tries to stave off hunger throughout the day.  It’s become a favorite in our household and has made its way into many meals as the main dish, whether for brunch on a lazy Saturday or for dinner during a busy work week.  We use the crock pot for the modern convenience of having something ready when we get home from work, something that's especially important when you have two hungry kids waiting for dinner at the end of the day! 

I think the original recipe included ham, but we don’t often add it since it’s not an item we usually have on hand in our household.  All of the other ingredients are usual staples for us, so it’s easy to create a meal with them anytime. 

Here’s the recipe:

Egg and Cheddar Strata

3-4 slices of bread (enough to cover the bottom of the crock pot).  Mark can use the fresh bread he just made.

2 cups shredded cheese (you can use less according to price and your preference of cheesiness in a strata.  Also, buy block cheese and shred yourself if it’s more economical)

~½ of a fresh onion (we just throw in whatever part of an onion we have left over in the refrigerator from previous meals)

~2 cups fresh spinach (can use frozen if more cost effective)

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional, we use it if we have it)

Black pepper

 Line the bottom of the crock pot with the bread.  Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the egg with the milk and add the Worcestershire sauce (if you decide to use it).  Pour the egg mixture over the bread, add the onion and spinach.  If you decide to use meat, add it next.  Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle with black pepper.  Set crock pot to low and cook for ~3 ½ hours.  This makes about 6 servings, so enough for a few meals for Mark.