Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

This quick and easy lunch for healthy living folks in a hurry is simply perfect. Recipe makes sandwich 2 servings.

2. Slice strips & chop celery stalk and onion. Remove pit and slice avocado lengthwise, remove from skin with spoon.

4. Add all ingredients including salt/pepper and smash with a fork until it can be easily spread on bread.

With skyrocketing prices eggs have become a hot commodity and unaffordable for some. and nearly impossible to find in many locations throughout the country. In my hometown prices have soared from $4.00 a few weeks ago to $13.00 per dozen, depending on the market.

Some sources are saying its bird flew and some are saying it’s simply food price gouging, but whatever it is too many families are having to do without or make some sacrifices to enjoy their favorite egg dishes. The news is currently filled with videos of empty egg shelves, and rumors of eggs being smuggled into the US from Mexico.

I absolutely adore eggs but during a Sunday brunch outing last week I was horrified to find that one egg added to my favorite waffle dish was $4.00. So, I came home and began searching through the many cook books in my collection, both healthy and regular recipe books, determined to find some tips to offer proactive solutions for home cooks, especially mothers who feed a family who could use some affordable and practical answers to this egg dilemma.

I was amazed to discover how many egg substitutes are out there and feel sure many readers will as well. From home-made style recipe substitutes, to ready to buy items in your grocery store you can find what you need to get through this golden egg age at a cost your budget can handle. Looking at fresh substitutes made from items you may already have in your kitchen pantry or refrigerator you might try some of the following.

1 mashed banana = 1 egg, ¼ cup applesauce = 1 egg, ¼ cup pumpkin puree = 1 egg.

2 tbs Arrowroot powder with 3 tbs water = 1 egg, Good for burgers or baked goods.

Tofu is an ideal egg substitute and can be used for an egg scramble with veggies (I love this for breakfast or lunch), or you can broil slices smothered in soy or teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped chives and a splash of lemon juice; one of my personal favorites tofu dinner options!

Try 1 tbs Flax Seeds or Chia seeds mixed with 3 tbs water let sit for 5-10 minutes for 1 egg. (Please note this is not recommended if the recipe calls for more than 3 eggs).

Aquafaba juice from a can of chick peas works fine 2-3 tbs of aquafaba = 1 egg, and can also be used to create whipped cream, meringue or in souffle recipes.

Optional items easily purchased for recipe preparation can be found at your local grocery or your friendly health food store and might include gluten free/vegan egg replacer by Bob’s, a renowned health line producer. Just Egg liquid found in your egg cooler section is fabulous for French Toast, Frittatas or with your favorite egg entrée dish. Orghan or Ener-G are also great healthy egg replacers.

There are several varieties of egg white liquid eggs in the cooler in different price lines as well, but they are all goning up in price weekly along with eggs.

Hoping we will all have some affordable eggs to enjoy by Easter, but in the meantime try some of the interesting options above and have an egg-ceptional February.

Up Norway Celebrates UNESCO Recognition of Seter Culture with Exclusive Farm Experiences

Discover Norway’s Traditional Farming Heritage Through Bespoke Farm-to-Table Experiences, Scenic Landscapes, and Award-Winning Cheeses

Oslo, Norway (January 28, 2025) - Up Norway, Scandinavia’s premier curator of sustainable luxury travel, invites travelers to experience Norway’s newly UNESCO-recognized ‘seterkultur’ (summer farm culture), a living heritage that honors the sustainable mountain farming practices, deep-rooted traditions, and artisanal craftsmanship that have shaped Norwegian identity for centuries. At the heart of summer farm culture are the high-altitude pastures, once the domain of dairymaids (‘budeier’) who spent their summers tending livestock in serene mountain meadows. These meadows were the birthplace of Norway’s celebrated cheeses, now recognized as among the best in the world. In honor of this historic milestone, Up Norway offers the opportunity to incorporate exclusive, authentic cultural experiences into personalized journeys through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes.

From immersive farm stays to engaging culinary experiences and journeys through rolling farmlands and Arctic meadows, travelers can delve into the rich heritage of summer farm culture. Up Norway recommends the following for upcoming trips to the destination:

Whether it’s savoring artisanal cheeses, exploring Arctic ecosystems, or connecting with Norway’s cultural and agricultural legacy, Up Norway provides a meaningful and sustainable way to experience this newly celebrated heritage.

For more information on Up Norway’s recommendations for summer farm culture experiences or to book a customized journey, please visit upnorway.com.

Established in 2016, Up Norway’s vision is to introduce quality conscious international travelers to truly unique Norwegian experiences. Its local expertise, sustainable approach, digital itineraries and passion for Norway open up new perspectives. Committed to creating high quality guest experiences, Up Norway has been recognized as an A-List Travel Advisor by Travel + Leisure, named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, recognized as a Wendy Perrin Trusted Travel Expert, and is the first and only Norwegian travel company to be Travelife and B Corporation™ certified. Native Norwegians take pride in serving local cuisine, showing off their vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature. Up Norway’s trips focus not on standard city tours but on getting people out into the country’s stunning landscapes and in contact with the local people. Curated accommodations include not only boutique hotels but also stilted log cabins, lakeside yurts, tent igloos, and a renovated lighthouse: cozy places where you’re hosted by the owners and introduced to the local culture and traditions. The company takes pride in offering experiences off the tourist trail and offers access to sites and stories that would be a challenge to discover otherwise. With a Digital Travel Guide provided to their guests, Up Norway uses technology to enhance its personalized service, not to replace it. For more information on Up Norway, please visit https://upnorway.com.

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