Scrambled Breakfast Burrito

+ 5 Awesome, Amazing "free" Ingredients:

Is it twenty-three degrees where you live, too? Maybe it's just me, but whenever it is extraordinarily cold I regress to breakfast at every meal. Point in case: I ate cereal for breakfast and lunch today. Not because I craved cereal, but because it was all I had time for. I was late getting ready for work, largely because I hibernated until the last minute in my 80 degree bedroom, and partially because I was writing thank-you notes for early Christmas gifts.

Christmas gifts?! Yes, two to speak of that directly effect all of you! One, is the most beautiful baking handbook by, who else, the Angel of the Kitchen: Julia Child. Every page is an ode to the glorious, wondrous world of breads, bagels and brioche. The glossy insert pages are so crisp and so beautifully composed I wouldn't be surprised if I could reach right in and pull off a wedge of the "Rustic Potato Loaf". But, if delusions of edible grandeur are happening I think I'll satisfy my sweet tooth with the "Gingerbread Baby Cakes" instead. Or, maybe the "Hungarian Shortbread" with soft cakey layers and a jammy satin ribbon of rhubarb that would make the Sugarplum Fairy green with envy. "Baking with Julia" is a steal at $26. 40 on Amazon.com, and would make a great gift. But, if you don't get around to buying the whole book before the new year, SPUDS will be posting a recipe of your choice to help ring in the festivities! Cast your vote today!

Disclaimer: SPUDS is not giving away a free copy of "Baking with Julia" due to budget restrictions.

What is gift number two, you ask? Well, that one was even more of a surprise. Some of you who might have been reading last month, may have noticed a new badge on the blog spot. Sadly, "SPUDS" did not make the Iron Foodie competition as an official contestant; however, we did receive some very expensive consolation prizes for free! Free!! The catch, isn't really a catch at all. Marx Foods, a wholesale gourmet products distributor, sent SPUDS 5 product samples of our choosing to encourage recipe creativity that showcases their exotic ingredients. Here's what SPUDS chose:

• Ginger salt
• Lavender Buds
• Star Anise
• Black Trumpet Mushrooms
• Saffron Threads

SPUDS is very excited to start working on recipes. (Got ideas for something you'd like us to cook up? Leave a comment on this post OR our fan page on Facebook). But, in the mean time graduate applications, work, wrapping presents and, of course, eating will be taking priority. It all feels a little daunting. Since every meal these days is a scramble to the finish, you might as well enjoy an incredibly easy breakfast/dinner burrito. Just be sure to eat it it in your pajamas... in front of the t.v., or in bed if you can convince someone to bring it to you.

Ingredients:

Makes 2 very happy burritos

4 eggs

1/8 teaspoon salt, pepper

1/4 cup finely diced onion

3/4 cup shredded cheddar/jack cheese blend

1 cup pebre (or your favorite fresh tomato salsa)

cilantro

tortillas

sour cream, to serve

Preparation:

1. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Finely dice the onion and set aside. Break the eggs into a small dish and whisk briefly with the onions, salt and pepper.

3. Add half the cheese to the eggs before adding both to the skillet. Scramble until the eggs are opaque and no longer runny.

4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave and then fill with the cooked eggs. Serve with the fresh salsa, more fresh cilantro and sour cream. Enjoy immediately.

Want to jazz it up? Add some cooked turkey bacon or black beans... or both!