Eggs - Get the Most for Your Money

 I know eggs have gone up in price all around.  I am still getting a dozen large eggs for less than $2.  I know that many are paying much more.  I would pay more, especially if I could get farm fresh eggs.  I like eggs, although I don't eat every day.  I will continue to buy them.  In my opinion there are a few things that I will keep buying regardless of the cost.  For me - milk, eggs and cheese are must haves!

                                                                        not my picture

There are ways to stretch the use.  You can substitute other things for part of the eggs in baking goods.

I think many of us have heard about using applesauce to sub for an egg.  Actually, most fruit sauces will work, and add flavor as well.  Below is a chart of some other subs - click on the picture to enlarge for easier reading.

You can stretch eggs when scrambling by adding crushed crackers.  We used to do this all the time when we went camping.  There were always lots of mouths to feed (we did group meals), so we needed to stretch things.  We would beat up the eggs, add a bit of crushed crackers (flavored can be used too) and add a bit of water - and then scramble.  You could never tell there were crackers.  They were light and fluffy.

*Another tip I have learned and use now - don't use milk, when making scrambled eggs - use water.  You will end up with fluffier eggs and they won't be wet and hard to cook.

**I ALWAYS buy large or extra large eggs.  I can use one instead of 2 when baking - I always do that.  Buy the bigger eggs if you can.  Get the most for your money.

If you find a good deal on eggs - stock up!!!!!  You can freeze eggs easily.  I have done this many, many times.  Then I have eggs for cooking, when I might not have fresh or they are hard to find at store.  I freeze in muffin tins - one egg peer hole.  Pop out when frozen and put on freezers bags.  You can fry or bake with these. (I grease the tins first - but if difficult to remove - just set the bottom of pan in warm water for a moment - boom out they pop).

I know people use the float method to determine the freshness of eggs.  Honestly, I have only had 2 eggs that were bad in my entire life!!!!!!  I don't do the float test - never have.  I crack over a separate dish (just in case).  My counter and sink in right next to a window - so each time I get ready to use an egg - I simply hold it up to the light of the window.  IF it were icky inside - it will be dark.  Otherwise it will look light.  This hasn't failed me yet!!!!!!

                                                      In case you are interested.

You can also cook your eggs (scramble the best) and freeze, so all you have to do is re-heat and many people dehydrate cooked eggs.  I have not tried that yet.

I see lots of people who water glass eggs to preserve on the shelf.  Mixing fresh (unwashed) eggs with water and lime.  Another thing I have never tried - as I do not have fresh eggs.

You can fry eggs and make biscuits, sandwiches or burritos for quick and easy meals or breakfasts.  Wrap separately and simply warm when ready to eat.  Fast food from home!!!!

You can buy egg replacer for baking.  It is not really an egg product (vegans often use).  It is purchased in the baking aisle of the store.  I always have this on hand as well.  It lasts a long time on the shelf and it only takes a little to bake with. 

If you know someone who has chickens - maybe work out a deal to get eggs from them.  You may be able to barter other goods for eggs.  Fresh is wonderful.  It is also helping a local economy if you buy from a local person.

Eggs are full of protein, and if you are able to (or choose to) eat them, they provide nutrition for your body.  Use them wisely and substitute now and them and you can stretch your egg dollars a little more.

Have an EGG-cellent day!!!!!!!