Good Morning!  Or…Good Afternoon…I’m not sure which!

What a busy work week it has been.  From early mornings to late nights and back to early mornings, I’m not sure if I am coming or going!  🙂  Really though…here’s my dilemma.  Up at 4am today and on the road by 445am.  In Des Moines for a case by 630am and in the operating room by 7am.  Surgeon 1 in…graft harvested…graft placed…incision site closed…Surgeon 2 ready to start on the wrist.  My part is done and it is only 830am.  My stomach is growling and I want…LUNCH.  Anybody with me?  I haven’t had breakfast (I’d love to know who can eat at before 6am…I can’t!) but Panera’s Fuji Apple Salad is calling my name.  Technically I’ve been up 4.5 hours and on a normal day, it would be nearly time for lunch…but today, it’s only 830!! 

So, almost another hour later, here I am, at Panera….with a breakfast sandwich.  It isn’t quite the salad I’m craving…but it does have some roasted tomatoes..some spinach…and some basil.  Ahhh…a compromise!  New at Panera is the Mediterranean Egg White Sandich on Ciabatta.  SO GOOD. 

As I mentioned, I am also a huge huge huge fan of the Fuji Apple Salad.  During my pregnancy, I probably had a minimum of 1-2 each week.  I’ve cut back…LOL…but it is still a fave!  Oh…and did I mention their Mac and Cheese??  To.die.for.  Let it be known, I have NEVER ordered a  bowl.  The nutritional information was enough for even me…to say, “I’ll pass.”  But…I do allow my sister or my co-workers to order a bowl…and I sneak my fair share of bites.  🙂

On a recent “Saturday Shopping Date” with Ryan and Bella, we also tried their Jalapeno Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich.  I loved it!  Unfortunately, it is no longer on the menu.  Fortunately, I re-created it at home and you have the recipe here!  So go ahead, surprise your honey and your kids with a yummy breakfast sandwich this weekend. 

Jalapeno Breakfast Bagel Sandwich

Serves 4

• 4 Panera Jalapeno Cheddar Bagels, sliced
• 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 lb Deli Ham, freshly shaved (I prefer Black Forest or Honey Ham)
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 4 eggs
• EVOO or Butter

Start by cooking the eggs.  I put a drizzle of EVOO in a pan and turned the stove on medium low.  To contain the egg in a circular fashion, I laid a “balloon-shaped” cookie cutter in the middle of the pan.  Crack the egg into the cookie cutter and let cook for 2-3 minutes.  Once the bottom of the egg has solidified, flip the egg (and the cookie cutter).  Let cook for one minute more.  Repeat for all for 4 eggs.

Once the eggs are done, build your breakfast sandwiches.  From the bottom up:  Bagel, ham, spinach, tomato, egg, cheese, bagel top.

Set the sandwiches side a Panini Press and let warm for 4-5 minutes on medium.  Remove from Press and cut in half.

A quick, easy, and delicious breakfast SERVED!  Thank you, Panera, for a great little sandwich….and salad…and mac and cheese.  I love you.  🙂

And now…back to work and back on the road!  I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week.  It’s looking like it’s going to be another unseasonably warm weekend.  Get out your grills if you haven’t already.

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.