Oven Baked Egg Cups

Jan here, with a myth-busting fact!

Many people believe that the average American gains 7-10 pounds during the holiday season between Halloween and New Year's.

But a quick Google search reveals that this is a media myth. Studies have shown that the average weight gain for Americans during this two month period is only about one pound.

So where did this hype come from? My personal theory is that we eat so poorly around the holidays - loading up on sugar and other simple carbs - that we end up feeling like we've gained ten pounds! We (read "I") hit January 1st feeling tired, sluggish, and out of shape.

This year, I've resolved to change that pattern. I want to concentrate on healthy eating before it's time to make those New Year's resolutions. So for the next several weeks, I'll be trying new recipes and sharing them with you. Foods that nourish and energize rather than attack our health. Foods that are quick and easy to make rather than taking hours in the kitchen. And foods that don't require expensive special ingredients.

Are you ready to take this journey with me?

The first recipe is a breakfast idea I got from the Trim Healthy Mama "Trim Healthy Table Cookbook." (You can find this cookbook here!) I changed a couple things to fit our family, and you should do the same. These are easy and versatile!

Oven Baked Egg Cups

ingredients (for each person):
2 eggs
2 slices ham, thin cut (I use Hormel Natural Choice lunch meat)
toppings and mix-ins of your choice

Super simple!

Preheat your oven to 350° and prepare a muffin tin by spraying the cups you'll be using with Pam or greasing them with butter or oil (mine is silicone - super easy when it come to clean-up!)

Place one slice of ham in each cup, pressing it against the bottom and sides.

In a small bowl, beat one egg at a time. Add in anything you want - I left hubby's plain, but added frozen spinach to mine and seasoned them with a little salt and pepper. The next time, I'll add cheese, too.

Pour the egg mixture in the first cup, then repeat for the rest of the cups.

Total prep time for these four: about 5 minutes.

Bake them in the 350° oven for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are done (not wiggly and no longer shiny.)

A delicious and satisfying meal!

This breakfast is super low on carbs. You can add some berries on the side and still keep it low carb, or add some whole-grain toast and an orange to have a healthy balance of fat, protein, and complex carbs.

Enjoy!

Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and growing family. When she isn't writing, she loves hiking in the Hills or satisfying her cross stitch addiction.

You can find Jan on Facebook, Jan Drexler, author, or her website, Jan Drexler.com.