Herbed Omelette & Sweet Potato Fries

I am one of the biggest brunch enthusiasts out there. What is more perfect than sitting outside a tree-lined street in the middle of the day, my coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, and whatever saliva-inducing egg based concoction I ordered all at my fingertips?

Sometimes though- like after today's 2 hour wait (yes, worth it) for Clinton Street Bakery's famous blueberry pancakes where I may or may not have consumed an entire stick of butter in one sitting- I recognize the convenience and weight-conscious elements of making your own brunch.  This easy brunch recipe is healthy and light in calories, but rich in taste thanks to a focus on fresh spices and herbs. You cannot beat the combination of fresh herbs and gooey melted cheese encased in egg, or the crisp crunch of a spicy sweet potato fry. Pick up your spring-fresh parsley and leafy greens from the farmers market or garden if you have, and enjoy this Herbed Omelette & Sweet Potato Fries pairing- your beach body will thank you :)

Herbed Omelette
Yield: 1 omelette


Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped scallion, or 1 shallot
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup loosely-packed leafy green (spinach, arugula, or swiss chard)
1 tbsp fresh dill
3 large eggs (1/2 cup egg whites)
1/4 cup reduced-fat cheese such as Parmesan, ricotta, cottage, or goat cheese

Directions
Spray cooking spray in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add scallion/shallot and leafy green to pan, and cook covered for five minutes.  Add eggs (if using yolk, beat entire egg thoroughly) to pan and cook covered for 3 minutes. Lift edges with spatula to let uncooked egg run underneath. Cook covered for a few more minutes, and when omlette is no longer liquidy on top, sprinkle dill, parsley, and cheese evenly over the pan. Fold omelette in half with spatula and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve with a sprinkle of salt & pepper.

Sweet Potato Fries
Yield: 2 servings
I'm grouping this dish under "brunch" as the baked fries are replacing traditional hash browns, but feel free to serve as a side during any meal.


Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, cut lengthwise into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tsp for the olive oil spritzer)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions
Preheat over to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  Spray a large baking sheet or tin foil with olive oil spray. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato wedges, olive oil and spices. Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are crisp and golden brown. Let cool, and sprinkle with salt before eating.

Sweet News about Sweet Potatoes for Your Skin
Sweet potatoes offer a wealth of health promoting benefits that regular white potatoes do not. Specifically, clear, smooth and younger-looking skin! How? Sweet potatoes' signature orange color comes from the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts vitamin A and activates DNA to produce new skin cells while shedding old ones. This constant flush of new cells keeps your skin healthy and fresh looking, while simultaneously resistant to free radical derived irritants and damage, plus wrinkles. 

Sources:
"Recipe Roundup: the Sweet Potato - Perfect Skin Connection: Healthy Bites: Food & Diet: Self.com." Healthy Bites. SELF Magazine, 21 Sept. 2009. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://www.self.com/fooddiet/blogs/healthybites/2009/09/recipe-roundup-the-sweet-potat.html>.