I grew up in the suburbs, and have lived in one city or another for most of my adult life, so I had never had the pleasure of eating a fresh egg before. And I mean fresh.. like straight from the chicken fresh. But this all changed for me last week, when a generous neighbor gave me a few of his.
I live in a residential neighborhood in New Haven, CT– the kind of place where you are happy to have a car for mobility, but can still walk to a market only blocks away. It is hardly the sticks, and it’s not really the sort of place where livestock is prevalent. But this hasn’t stopped a neighbor of mine from raising a few chickens, coop and all, and sharing the wealth.
He gave me five perfectly incongruous eggs, ranging in color from barely tan, to a buttery pink. Their yolks were like a shiny scoop of orange sherbet sitting in a puddle of clear albumen; and I couldn’t wait to scramble them up. My mom, who grew up in the mid-west, with chickens, ducks, you name it, told me to scramble them simply, letting their eggy nature shine through– so that’s what I did. Giving them a vigorous shake with the immersion blender, I scrambled them low and slow with a bit of butter, making the tiniest curds that I possibly could. A dash of salt, a grinding of pepper, and a sprinkling of chives, was all the gussying these eggs needed before they slid on my dinner plate.
They were excellent, pure, and delicate. Now the only question is– should I get some chickens?
I grew up on fresh eggs too – my parents had chicken back then. Before you consider having chicken yourself, think of the time it takes to take care of them, space you need, neighbours… Or you might just want to check if you nice neighbour might be selling his
Perfection!
I also live in a residential section of New Haven, but am not lucky enough to have free eggs…lucky you! Love the photograph of the yolk and shell.
I say – get a chicken! I want one…
Love the eggs! I don't live in an uran area, but am considering getting chickens also. I have kept them before and find their antics VERY entertaining. That is the best thing about keeping chickens, the worst is finding someone to look after them if you are away. But if your neighbor would be willing to swap chicken daycare with you, you've got it made!
Geez… now I want eggs! No, I want FRESH eggs. Mmm… They are one of my top comfort foods (I also make really good eggs too!!!)!! Mmm…
Geez… now I want eggs! No, I want FRESH eggs. Mmm… They are one of my top comfort foods (I also make really good eggs too!!!)!! Mmm…
Geez… now I want eggs! No, I want FRESH eggs. Mmm… They are one of my top comfort foods (I also make really good eggs too!!!)!! Mmm…
Geez… now I want eggs! No, I want FRESH eggs. Mmm… They are one of my top comfort foods (I also make really good eggs too!!!)!! Mmm…
Geez… now I want eggs! No, I want FRESH eggs. Mmm… They are one of my top comfort foods (I also make really good eggs too!!!)!! Mmm…