Feta Egg Tomato Rings

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

Easy summer meals, I love them from my head tomatoes! See what I did there, I’m punny (groan)! When summer brings me a bumper crop of tomatoes, I keep finding ways to use them up.

Any which way you slice it, this quick egg recipe is delicious and tastes like summer with sweet, ripe tomato, herby basil and salty feta cheese. Low-cal, but still lots of protein, a great quick breakfast or lunch idea.

These low-cal Feta Egg Tomato Rings are one of my favorite quick egg recipes of all time and make a healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch or light dinner.

So easy to make this quick, 4-ingredient meal!

I was inspired by egg recipes that use a slice bell pepper for a ring to contain scrambled or sunny-side up egg. This egg and tomato breakfast hack also reminds me of “egg in a hole” toast where you use a biscuit cutter to remove a circle from the center of your toast, and then crack an egg in the middle.

The entire batch of this low-cal egg recipe has just 136 calories, 8g fat, 7g protein and 10g protein. Honestly, I’d make two for myself!

*Pick tomatoes that are about 5 to 6 ounces and “medium ripe” — too ripe and the rings loose shape, too firm and the inside is too hard to smash up for the filling.*

I used an approximate 6-ounce tomato (because that’s what I had), and it made 5 slices (discarding the small stem and bottom ends). I wouldn’t use a smaller tomato, but a bigger one would be great too – however, you may need to whisk up a second egg to accommodate the larger openings.

One of the keys to this egg tomato recipe is finding a glass that, when inverted, will “punch out” the center. Lol, I’m using a cordial glass in the video. Of course, you can also trim out the middle with a paring knife.

When you remove the center of the tomato slices, you want to save the tomato “guts” – e.g., the core, the seeds and the locular jelly (that’s the official term). Those are added to the fork-whisked egg and smashed up. If some parts of the core are too tough to mash, just discard that section. Each center took about 1 tablespoon of the whisked egg and tomato filling, which worked out perfectly. If you are using a larger tomato, you will need to whisk up a second egg.

Once you spoon your egg mixture into the tomato ring and sprinkle with basil and feta (or your favorite cheese), they are cooked a few minutes until set – you will not be flipping. That’s it, whoo-hoo – you are finished with this easy egg recipe – serve on a salad, on a piece of whole-grain toast, or however moves your taste buds! Enjoy.

5 from 4 votes

Feta Tomato Egg Rings

Any which way you slice it, this quick egg recipe is delicious and tastes like summer with sweet, ripe tomato, herby basil and salty feta cheese.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, lunch

Keyword: egg, low cal, tomato

Calories: 136 kcal

Ingredients

1 5 to 6 ounce tomato
1 large egg
1 tablespoon crumbled feta
Dash salt and pepper
1 teaspoon chopped basil

Instructions

Slice tomato crosswise, in approximate 1/3” slices, discarding small stem and bottom ends.
Use small glass or paring knife to remove the seeds, locular jelly and core (save all of this) from tomato. This creates the delicate rings.
In a small bowl, fork-whisk egg. Add tomato “guts,” tossing away any core pieces that are too hard to smash up with a fork.
Carefully add rings to a non-stick skillet. Fill each ring with approximately 1 tablespoon of the egg-tomato mixture. I had 5 rings and the filling amount worked out perfectly, If you use a bigger tomato, you may need another egg.
Sprinkle egg mixture with crumbled feta cheese and basil.
Cook over medium heat until center set and firm to touch, about 4 to 5 minutes. You will NOT be flipping. Serve with salad, on toast or however desired!

Recipe Notes

Mushroom Swiss Omelet Quesadilla | Easy Breakfast “Omelet-adilla”

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

True. I did see this viral egg and quesadilla hack on TikTok. But in reality, I’ve been making and eating egg quesadillas for decades. DECADES!

Omelet meets quesadilla in this quick and easy egg recipe that is satisfying for any meal of the day -- breakfast, lunch or dinner! — *This photo isn’t doing justice to how fun and clever this recipe is — watch the video below!*

Growing up in the 70s, when it was my dad’s turn to cook a meal, he would usually make us an omelet or quesadilla. This was back in the day before dads really cooked OR people even knew what a quesadilla was. So, I thought he was pretty cool!

It was only a matter of time before the eggs met up with the cheese and tortilla. Honestly, it’s a match made in heaven. As my taste buds grew up, my love for omelets and quesadillas didn’t wane. Total comfort food to me! I started adding a variety of veggies to jazz it up and make a little more balanced meal – that works for breakfast, lunch OR dinner, by the way!

Spinach and mushroom are a classic veggie combo and one of my favorites. Something about mushrooms just plays so well with eggs – it’s a plant-based umami experience. If preferred, the veggies can be swapped out for others that soften up nice and quick in a sauté pan. Think of onions, leeks, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, shaved Brussels sprouts or cabbage, chopped kale, and such.

The two eggs, an ounce of cheese and a nine-inch tortilla offer about 22 to 25g protein (even more if you can find a protein tortilla). But, if you want even a bigger protein bump, add a small handful of shredded chicken, beef or diced ham. This quesadilla hack is very adaptable to your custom desires.

The Mushroom Swiss Omelet Quesadilla is such a great meal for anytime of the day, especially when you are pressed for time or fancy ingredients. Once you start making using this egg tortilla hack, you’ll never go back!

5 from 3 votes

Mushroom Swiss Omelet Quesadilla

Omelet meets quesadilla in this quick and easy egg recipe that is satisfying for any meal of the day — breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Course: Breakfast, lunch

Keyword: egg, omelet, quesadilla

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup slice mushrooms
½ cup chopped fresh spinach
1 to 2 oz grated Swiss cheese
1 large 9” to 10” tortilla sized to fit your skillet
Garnish: Avocado slices

Instructions

Whisk two eggs, water, salt and pepper in bowl; set aside.
Bring 9 to 10-inch non-stick skillet up to medium heat; add oil.
Add mushrooms to skillet and saute for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add spinach and stir around for another 30 seconds or until wilted a bit. Spread out evenly in bottom of pan.
Pour whisked egg over vegetables, tilting pan and swirling egg a bit to cover entire skillet.
Cook for about 2 minutes (without stirring) until almost set; just very lightly wet still on top.
Top with half the cheese and tortilla.
Carefully shimmy spatula under egg mixture to flip entire thing tortilla side down.
Add remaining cheese to top egg side and cook an additional 1 minute.
Flip tortilla in half (for a half-circle) and cook for another 1 minute on each side until tortilla golden brown.
Cut in three wedges and serve with avocado.

Easy Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Waffles – Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m still on a serious protein waffle kick, and have been refining my go-to easy waffle recipe with each batch! The outcomes have just been getting tastier and more nutritious! For example, with this protein waffle meal prep, I’ve added a bit of cottage cheese to the batter for a little extra rich flavor and protein.

These easy gluten-free protein waffles feature a plant-based protein, eggs, cottage cheese and amaranth flour for a powerful punch of protein. Only 184 cal, 13g net carb, 6g fat for a THREE WAFFLE serving that totals 20g protein! Boom! Freezer friendly, meal prep a batch for a breakfast solution on busy mornings.

In fact, I’ve packed SO MUCH protein for the modest calorie count into these waffles with cottage cheese. In addition to cottage cheese, other ingredients include egg, a plant-based protein powder and amaranth flour (or all-purpose flour, or a gluten-free baking blend flour all work). The result is a 3-waffle serving for 184 calories 13g net carb, 6g fat and 20g protein. That’s 62 calories and almost 7g protein per waffle! Boom! (note: nutrition could vary some based on exact protein powder used and % fat content of cottage cheese and milk used).

Seriously, 20-23g protein for a 216-calorie waffle stack?! These protein powder waffles even beats my favorite protein bar and is so much more satisfying to eat than a protein bar snack. This is a real meal, on a plate, with endless topping possibilities.

The flour in this recipe can be either an all-purpose flour or a gluten-free baking blend (with a similar texture of flour, not heavy like almond flour or coconut flour). When I make gluten-free waffles, I almost always use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour for that light texture I want. I’ve also had luck with amaranth flour as an alternative.

For convenience, I like to mix the batter in a blender (don’t over blend) and pour out into my mini waffle maker. This protein waffle meal prep makes about 12 waffles (4 servings). If you don’t have a single waffle maker (which is undeniable cute), it is actually even more efficient to make in most standard 4-slice waffle irons.

Also, to moderate the carb count yet still speak to me sweet tooth, I add stevia liquid sweetener drops to the batter. If you’d like more savory waffles, just omit.

Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder -- use coupon code FITFORK to save 15% — *Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest — plant-based and amazing!* Nuzest 15% off: FITFORK

I use the Clean Lean Protein power from Nuzest, it’s plant-based, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, non GMO. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is delicious and a very versatile option. Use Nuzest coupon code: FITFORK to save 15% .

As per toppings, when a three-waffle stack only has 184 calories, I feel liberated to pile on the toppings. Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries is always a favorite – along with a drizzle of a sugar free syrup and dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Sometimes even some mini chocolate chips!

Many of my other protein waffle recipes have been single serve. This batch makes four servings, suitable for a family breakfast or to meal prep for eating through the week. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days or slide the 3-waffle servings into storage containers and keep in the freezer for busy-day breakfasts.

Heat up in the toaster or air-fryer. Honestly, after a few minutes in the air fryer, they are crispier and maybe even more delicious than ever!

This recipe is very easy to customize by swapping the protein powder flavor. And, I recently made a batch with Matcha Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles, so delicious and a fun change. The only thing I did different was add 2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder to the batter.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases through links, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 4 votes

Easy Cottage Cheese Protein Powder Waffles

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Simple, freezer-friendly, gluten-free and vegetarian. Only 216 calories for THREE WAFFLES – 23g protein!

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: breakfast, cottage cheese, meal prep, protein powder, waffles

Servings: 4 3 waffles each

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp olive oil or oil of choice
½ cup 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup vanilla Nuzest protein powder (or powder of choice) 60 grams
½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour (like bob's red mill gluten free baking blend)
¼ tsp liquid stevia drops or to taste (or not needed, depending on your sweet preferences).
1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Whisk eggs with milk, vanilla and oil, stir in cottage cheese (or, you can blend all together in small blender for a smoother result – either method yields yummy waffles)..
Toss together protein powder flour and baking powder. Mix into egg mixture a little bit at a time, or until incorporated You can also pulse wet and dry mixtures together in the blender until smooth.
Mix in stevia drops to taste, more or less depending on your sweetness preference.
Heat waffle iron (either a mini waffle iron or larger 4-square iron).
Pour in batter and cook for several minutes, until indicator light goes off.
Repeat for remaining batter.
Should make 12 single waffles (or three 4-square waffles).

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 waffles
Exact calorie count varies by protein powder and flour used. But as I made them, they came in at 184 cal, 13g carb, 20g protein.

Banana Bread Muffins with Amaranth (an Ancient Grain) – Gluten-free

Posted on May 3, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

I LOVE warm, sweet, soft banana bread, don’t you?! It’s a childhood favorite and reminds me of being at my grandmother’s house.

My gluten-free banana bread recipe incorporates amaranth, an ancient grain that offers protein, healthy carbs, fiber and lots of micronutrients.

*Popped amaranth blended with oats to make a gluten-free flour.*

Amaranth is kind of a toothsome grain, reminding me of farro or wheat berry. You don’t use the whole seed grain in this gluten free banana muffin recipe, but instead amaranth flour. I like to make my own amaranth flour in my blender using popped amaranth – it’s ready to make into a light, versatile, gluten-free flour right out of the bag. It’s also tasty for snacking right out of the bag or sprinkling on salads or yogurt for extra nutrition.

Check out the video for some tips!

Pro Tips:

Ripe bananas make the tastiest, sweetest, moistest banana bread muffins. I keep my peeled ripe bananas in the freezer, ready to defrost for quick bread recipe like this banana amaranth flour recipe.
Some products may be swapped. For example, use the milk of your choice whether that be dairy, almond, oat or whatever. Also, the sugar can be swapped out for a cup-to-cup equivalent. For example, 1 cup of coconut sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, or 1 cup of stevia baking blend, etc. Don’t use liquid sweetener drops or products with very little volume as it will through the proportions of your recipe off and it will be too wet.
While making this easy muffin recipe, make extra amaranth-oat flour and set aside for use in your next batch OR to use as a gluten-free flour substitute for pancakes, waffles and other baked goods.

Amaranth Banana Bread Muffins are so delicious – tender, moist and sweet! Before baking I love to top mine with extra goodies like dried fruit, nuts and seeds — shredded coconut and chocolate chips would be yummy too!

Recipe adapted from Amaranthy.com (you can save 20% there with my code FITFORK20 )

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from sales that are used to help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork.

5 from 5 votes

Gluten-free Banana Bread with Amaranth

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

Looking for an easy quick bread muffin that’s gluten-freeand packs extra fiber and protein? Check out these Banana Bread Muffins madewith “flour” that’s created simply by pulsing popped amaranth and rolled oats inthe blender! Also, use an alternative sweetener to moderate the carbs – still sosweet, tender and delicious! A favorite for breakfast – even serve warm withice cream for dessert!

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

2 cups popped amaranth from Amaranthy or amaranth flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
3 medium ripe bananas
2 large eggs
1/3 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoon milk of choice
1 cup sugar of choice or 1 cup-for-cup equivalent sweetener
1/4 cup dried fruit of choice optional
1/4 cup unsalted nuts and/or seeds of choice optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a standard loaf pan or jumbo 6-count muffin tin.
Add popped amaranth and rolled oats to blender, blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until a medium-fine flour forms. Pulse in baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
In large bowl, mash together bananas, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla and sugar.
Empty banana mixture into the blender filled with dry ingredients. Incorporate dry and wet slightly with spatula then pulse, scraping down sides as needed, until thick batter has formed. *Mixture should be thick, but if not blending well add a 1-2 tbsp. more milk.
Divide in muffin tins. Top with nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
Bake approx. 45 minutes in loaf pan and 30 minutes in jumbo muffin tins. Test for doneness by inserting toothpick into center and it pulls clean. Remove from oven, cool in pan for 15 minutes. Store leftovers in fridge.

Recipe Notes

12 High-Protein Breakfast Recipes for One and Not a Single Smoothie!

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

It’s breakfast time again, it happens every single day! Looking for something quick, easy and perfectly portioned just for YOU! Here are a dozen of my favorite high protein breakfast recipes that have 20 to 30 grams of protein, the optimal amount of protein to get your day started. I also eat many of these protein breakfast ideas after a workout or before bed for muscle management and recovery! Enjoy!

Protein Nut Butter Toast with Strawberries

1 slice Dave’s Killer Power Seed Bread, toasted
1.5 Tbsp. of a protein-nut butter
3 almonds, chopped
1 tsp. sugar-free mini chocolate chips
1 large strawberry, diced

I love this hearty, sweet toast with the most! If you don’t have official protein butter, just mix in 2 teaspoons of protein powder into your traditional nut butter. 424 Calories, 30 g carb, 22g fat, 27g protein

Easy Low-carb Peanut Butter Mug Cake

3 Tbsp. peanut or almond butter
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. unflavored collagen powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
Toppings of choice

In a minimum capacity 8-ounce mug, mix together all ingredients. Use a fork to whisk around until smooth and incorporated. Microwave for 75 to 90 seconds on high power. Mug can will puff way over the rim like a souffle, and then settle back down some when cooled. While still warm, top as desired with syrups, nuts, whipped cream, etc. 377 calories, 29g fat, 10g carb, 25g protein

Egg, Cheese & Leftover Grain Waffle

2 large eggs
1/2 cup pre-cooked grain like rice, oats or quinoa (I used a rice-quinoa blend)
2 Tbsp. shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a mini waffle iron. Mix together egg waffle ingredients in bowl and pour into hot iron (should make 2 to 3 waffles). If you don’t have leftover rice, you can use from a ready-to-eat rice pouch. Leave batter in waffle iron for a couple minutes, until indicator light goes off. Top with salsa, guacamole or other toppings of choice. 324 calories, 19g fat, 19g carb, 20g protein

60 Second Beef & Veggie Mug Omlete makes getting a healthy breakfast one less thing to worry about!

Quick Egg & Beef Mug Omelet

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pre-cooked ground beef (or leftover taco meat)
1 Tbsp. shredded cheese
¼ cup blend of veggies like chopped tomatoes, chopped spinach, green onions, etc.

Spray one large microwave-safe mug (14-oz) or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Add 2 egg and 2 tablespoons water; whisk with fork. Stir in cheese and vegetables. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30 seconds. Remove from oven; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until eggs are just set. Let cool, season with salt and pepper, as desired. 220 calories, 13g fat, 4g carb, 24g protein

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Cinnamon Protein Waffles (Gluten-free)

Whip up a stack of these satisfying waffles in minutes, they smell and taste delicious – especially with some sugar-free maple syrup. I use a little mini-waffle iron and make one at a time, or a big 4-square iron will work too (to make all at once). I use banana flour to keep lower carb and gluten-free, but you may swap flours. Protein boost thanks to a plant-based protein powder, Nuzest. Get a discount code and the entire recipe on this POST . Makes 4 small waffles, 220 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 27g protein

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles (Gluten-Free)

Hello, chocolate!! These Double Chocolate Protein Waffles seem so indulgent, you may think it’s dessert! But a plant-based chocolate protein powder and just a few mini sugar-free chocolate chips make this sweet protein breakfast in the mini waffle maker, suitable for a morning meal! This mini waffle recipe uses banana flour too. Get a Nuzest discount code and the entire recipe on this POST. 330 cal, 28g carb, 14g fat, 28g protein,

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Breakfast Cookie for One (Gluten-free)

A cookie as big as yo’ face and nutritious enough for breakfast – I call that a win-win! Actually, this cookie is so filling, sometimes I just eat half and save the other half for later in the day. Get entire recipe on POST. 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein

Giant Cherry Almond Protein Breakfast Cookie – 25 grams protein in this one!

Vanilla Pear Quinoa Breakfast “Bake”

A delightful change from oats, this recipe that uses leftover quinoa is “make-to-mouth” in just 5-6 minutes. If you don’t have leftover or meal-prepped freezer quinoa, a ready-to-eat quinoa will do. A deliciously warm and satisfying way to fuel adventures. Get full recipe on my IG POST. 526 calories, 20g protein, 44g net carb, no added sugar, and a whopping 14g dietary fiber.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Chia Pudding with Pecan Praline Crumble makes a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast, snack or healthy dessert. Natural sweeteners used to keep the carbs low and cottage cheese to help boost the protein -- plus more than 1/2 daily requirement for fiber! For more clean eating recipes, visit thefitfork.com

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Chia Puddings (with Praline Topping)

Just the right sweet and spiced so nice! This delicious chia seed pudding hits just under 20g protein, but it is just too amazing not to share! Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient for that creamy texture and protein boost. Also, not a single serve, but makes three that you can space out for breakfasts through the week. Get full recipe on my POST . 357 calories, 26g total carb (10g net carb, 16g fiber), 18g protein.

This no added sugar cheesecake dessert features cottage cheese and collagen blended until creamy -- sugar free chocolate chips and strawberries put this no-bake, no crust, lower carb, single-serve recipes over the top.

Chocolate Chip Breakfast “Cheesecake”

Is it dessert, is it breakfast – you decide!! Creamy blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient (I use 2% to keep it creamy) along with collagen from Great Lakes Wellness (use code THEFITFORK100ff to save 15%). Sugar-free mini chocolate chips for the win, too! Get full recipe on my POST. 193 calories, 11g carb, 29.5g protein per serving

Margarita Protein Mug Muffin

Sweet-tart, this limey treat makes a nice snack or way to start the day – especially if you are ready to be whisked away to a tropical vacation! Get recipe on POST. 155 cal, 5g fat, 6g carb, 20g protein

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission through sales generated through links, however the price to you remains the same. Thank you for supporting The Fit Fork.