The Inspired Plate | March Challenge | Breakfast

This month The Inspired Plate is celebrating our monthly challenge with "Breakfast".

I know this looks like a simple breakfast.. with not too many ingredients, but I so often eat alone

in the mornings after the kids have all gone to school and this for me is quick and satisfying. A soft cooked egg, thinly sliced and buttered sourdough toast.. perfect for dipping, and a cup of tea. 

A few of the gals added a challenge element to their photos, Morning Sunlight. The top photo was shot early in the day with my place setting in front of the light source. Creating a "Backlit" effect. I love the warm glow it gives and you can almost see a faint outline of the trees in my backyard.

I had so much fun shopping for props this month. Spring is definitely in the air and all the beautiful hues of yellow, pink and lavender set the tone for this place setting beautifully. I LOVE this tea cup and saucer. And this egg cup.. so adorable! Right before Easter isn't really the best time to be looking for egg cups. I scoured the antique market and probably spent 3 hours perusing the aisles to find one that would match this lovely tea set. But, I have an idea that many hostesses thinking of serving soft cooked eggs on Easter.. and throughout Spring, was a very good idea!

My garden is in bloom with a variety of lavender plants and daisies. I just love this pop of color streaming through my kitchen and family room windows!

Soft Boiled Eggs are easy to cook. Take out your eggs ahead of time and allow them to come to room temperature. This will prevent them from cracking when you put them into the water. Boil water in a small saucepan. Make sure you have at least 3/4 of the pan filled. Bring to a rolling boil. Lower temperature to medium high, carefully place eggs in water. Allow them to come back to a soft boil. (not simmer) Cook exactly for 4 minutes for firm whites and a soft yolk. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy with your favorite toast! I drizzle my sourdough toast with honey. yum. I love the salty savory taste with the sweetness of a little honey! :)

Please be sure to head on over to Stacey Siegal | Bradenton FL Food Photographer. I am sure she will have some beautiful and scrumptious photos and recipes to share! My lucky friend sits pretty on the warm beaches of Bradenton and rocks her camera! She is SO talented and it is a privilege having her join us for a second year!

Ciao and Buon Appetito!
Laurie

Masala Chai Tea

We have this wonderful little spice shop in Temecula called "The Old Town Spice Merchant". With the smell of spice in the air it feels festive all year long. I Love it!

You will LOVE making your own chai tea! I suggest even if you don't intend to make it soon, keep these spices on hand! They are wonderful additions to stews, cottage pies and savory pastries!
If you are dairy free.. you will love the coconut milk version, it's so Island Perfect! Also the almond milk version, amazing aroma and flavor!

Masala Chai Ingredients

9 whole cloves

4 cardamom pods

4 star anise
1 cup water

2 cups milk
 of choice (cow, coconut, almond, rice...)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

5 pepper berries
2 rounded tablespoons raw sugar

2 heaping tablespoons Cinnamon Orange Black Tea (or black tea of your choice)

Masala Chai Directions

In a mortar (or a mini prep grinder), crush the cloves, cardamom pods, star anise and  blackpepper berries. 

Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water and ginger and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 8 minutes.

This gorgeous loose tea is a black tea with crushed cinnamon stick and dried orange peel.

      After spices have simmered for around 8 minutes, add the milk, loose tea and sugar.

At a low temperature, let the Masala chai simmer for 5-7 more minutes.

      When it starts to get frothy turn off the heat and and let it sit for 5 minutes. Strain 2 times

      through a sieve into a teapot.

As you can see from my messy stove top, I double refined this chai tea through two strainers. It wouldn't even be a bad idea to run it through a cheese cloth if you have that on hand. Enjoy your chai tea.. definitely with someone who's company you enjoy! It's so fun to make this from scratch, and so worth the taste !