Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we’ve always got an eye toward health and wellness, sometimes it’s not just about calories and fat grams. Self-care might look like an over-the-top carpet picnic in the living room, or sweet treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the status quo, and that’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Ahhh, McDonald’s. If you grew up in the 70’s and 80’s, it’s a likely bet that you had at least one favorite treat on their menu. The smell of a McDonald’s is unmistakable, you can always tell when one is near. Even as times have changed and fast food has fallen out of favor in many ways, this American mainstay has managed to pivot. They have reinvented themselves, their brand and their menus over the years, but that distinct aroma has remained exactly the same.
It’s fascinating and wonderful, how our memories and the smells that go with them are so intertwined. Grandma’s apple pie, and dad’s famous BBQ ribs. Everyone’s mom makes the best potato salad in the world, just ask them. Incidentally she makes the best Thanksgiving stuffing too. It’s not just that these things are delicious, it’s that they are shored up with memories of love and togetherness. Warm homes and hearts. Comfort.
McDonald’s has a lot of the same power that your mom’s tater salad has: They’ve got that comfort factor. So when they too have shuttered many locations all around the globe, it doesn’t just get to us on a “dang now I can’t have an Egg McMuffin” level… it gets us on that comfort level too.
They must know this is happening to their fans, because McDonald’s has decided to bestow a little gift upon us: The Egg McMuffin recipe. Now we can create a little moment of comfort for ourselves, courtesy of Mickey D’s.
Egg McMuffin Breakfast Time!
Though the recipe is not exactly difficult to figure out, here are some specifics on how they do it.
English muffin – Toast until golden brown.
75g of sausage meat – Season with salt and pepper and shape into balls. Flatten into patties and grill for six to seven minutes on each side (or per instructions on packaging).
Eggs – Brush the inside of a metal ring with oil, and place in a small frying pan. Add just enough water to cover the bottom, and bring to a boil. Crack the eggs into the rings, cover and cook for two to three minutes.
American Cheese – Assemble your McMuffin by layering the patty and egg on top of a slice of cheese.
Potato – To make hash browns the McDonald’s way, start by grating a potato into a bowl. Mix in an egg and season with salt and pepper. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and add a spoonful of the mix. Flatten and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides.
Breakfast is served!
