The cost of eggs is soaring and in our everyday brunch, the egg is the most eaten during brunch.
Eggs are a brunch-time staple, and whether it be boozy, bottomless, or just when you happen to indulge in a late-morning meal, brunch is huge.
But shoppers at major supermarkets are reportedly being faced with empty egg shelves and told to ration purchases.So, what should we be dishing up and ordering if eggs are hard to get hold of? And could brunch actually be better off without them?
Here are a few of the best brunch offerings that require no eggs, so your weekly brunch need not suffer during the shortage.
Overnight oats
You may have only heard about these from fitness fanatics and nutritionists, but they are actually a delicious, easy-to-prepare brunch option. Overnight oats need not be bland and boring; make a big batch the night before and fill a bowl with oats, yoghurt or kefir of your choice, chia seeds, fruit, nut butter or jam. Then dish it up the next morning and top it with seeds, sauces and extra fresh fruit.
Smoothie bowls
“Smoothie bowls are all about presentation, and the best ones are pretty maxima-list – I love using frozen raspberries on top as well as in the mix for extra bite and coldness, plus chopped toasted nuts, a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon,” says Freeborn.
“It’s even better if you do an insta-worthy peanut butter or chocolate crackle top, which breaks like a crème bruléeto to reveal the brightly coloured smoothie underneath. And use frozen bananas for a glorious thickness that fresh ones just can’t replicate.”
French toast
Yes, eggs do seem like a vital ingredient in French toast, but did you know you can use nut milk as an alternative?
“For a vegan take on French toast, fry your bread slices lightly in vegan butter, then sprinkle over a mix of sugar and cinnamon in the pan so that the edges caramelise slightly. Top with sweetened vegan cream cheese, strawberries and maple syrup and some more cinnamon for luck,” says Freeborn.
Yogurt parfaits
Why not get decorative with glass jars and lush fruit and yoghurt?
“Layer your favourite yogurt – I like the strained extra creamy Greek stuff – with some chopped mango mixed with a pinch of ground cardamom and if you’re feeling it, a small grinding of black pepper. Add some ready-made tropical granola for crunch, and if you have it, extra flaked toasted coconut. Depending on how ripe the mango is, you may not need to add any extra sweetness, but if you do, a drizzle of honey goes a long way,” Freeborn says.
Baps and rolls
But, brunch doesn’t have to be sweet. The old classics are always great. “If you’re serving a meat-eating crowd, cooking off sausages, bacon, and black pudding, then letting everyone do a DIY assembly in the middle of the table is a great idea. Wholegrain mustard is always a winner here but caramelized red onion chutney works well too,” says Freeborn.
