Fall Farmers Scramble

One of my favorite memories as a kid was Sunday morning breakfast. Each weekend my parents would take turns cooking. My Dad’s specialty was pancakes so big they would almost hang off the plate. My Mom on the other hand would make an egg pie, using sliced potatoes, onions, peppers and whatever else she had on hand. There is nothing better than waking up to the smell of bacon. Over the years I have tried to continue this tradition by doing the same with my family.

What follows is my take on Moms egg pie. While I use many of the same ingredients the end result is a more of a scramble and has a special ingredient that Mom never used, Apples. I call it “Fall Farmers Scramble”.

What you will need:

·         3 medium Red Potatoes diced (2 ½ to 3 cups approx)

·         1 medium Red Onion diced (1 cup approx)

·         1 Green Pepper (1 cup approx)

·         2 Garlic cloves (or ½ teaspoon minced)

·         ½ of 1 large Apple diced ( ½  to ¾ cup)

·         ¼ cup apple juice (can substitute water)

·         6 slices of Bacon

·         6 eggs

·         Seasonings to taste; Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes

Start out with the potatoes. I like to use Red because they have a better flavor and texture. Wash the potatoes remove any eyes or blemishes but do not peel. Dice the potatoes about ¼ inch dice.

Place the potatoes in an ice water bath using a hand strainer or small colander. Let them soak for about 20 minutes; this will draw the starch from the potatoes plus help to soften them allowing them to cook a little faster.

While your potatoes soak start cooking your bacon in a large skillet or sauce pan. I like to make a couple of extra slices (for some reason two or three pieces disappear before I am done).

Dice the red onion, green pepper and garlic, place to the side.

Now to our special ingredient, Apple, the fall is Apple Harvest time here in Pennsylvania and there are so many varieties to choose from. For this I used a Jonagold. You can substitute Jonathan, Golden Delicious or Granny Smith if you like. Dice your apple and place to the side.

Check on your bacon, when it is crisp remove to drain on a paper towel. Reserve your bacon grease to a bowl or glass measuring cup.

Now that your bacon is done, place about two to three tablespoons of your bacon grease back into the skillet. Don’t make that face; bacon grease is pure flavor goodness. Why not use it. Drain your potatoes, shake off water or pat dry with paper towels. Repeat after me “Water and hot grease are not friends”.  

Turn your burner to medium high heat. Ok place potatoes in the pan with the bacon grease and toss to coat. Spread them out so you have a single layer. Let them brown for a minute or two then toss in the peppers, onions and garlic. Continue to sauté until the onions get soft and translucent, not quite brown. Add your diced apple and apple juice. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes; I use about a ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give a little kick. This is totally optional. Give everything a toss or stir then cover. Reduce your heat to about medium. Let this steam for approximately 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally.

Beat eggs together in bowl set aside. Check potatoes with fork when they are fork tender push your vegetables to the sides of the pan forming a ring. If the pan looks dry add a little bit of the reserved bacon grease to the center of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the center of the pan.

Time to bring the bacon back to the party crumble most of the bacon over the potatoes. Crumble the last piece of bacon over the eggs.

Now tip your pan allowing the eggs to run through your vegetables. As the egg begins to set up in the center of the pan push some of the vegetables back over top of the eggs in the center of the pan. Place the lid back on your pan and let your eggs set up for about two to three minutes.

Finish off your scramble by turning with a spatula to break up eggs. When eggs are set remove from heat and serve.  You can top with shredded cheddar or serve plain.

For more apple recipies try these