Busy weeknights mean this mama needs a quick and easy dinner…that my children will like while providing the nutrients they need. One recent week we had a few of these nights and an abundance of eggs that I didn't want to go bad. While the kids would have been perfectly happy with Breakfast for Dinner, I like to mix things up.

So, I found a few staples in the pantry, vegetables in the refrigerator, fresh herbs from our garden, along with our eggs, and…presto…quick, easy, tasty dinner. That cost less than $2.00 per serving.

Birds Nest
This night, we enjoyed flowered brussel sprouts sauteed with garlic and olive oil on the side. A rare treat this time of year that we picked up at the farmer's market last weekend.

Bird's Nest Instructions

Makes 6 to 8 nests

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

Fresh vegetables (we've used green beans, asparagus and leafy greens, but get creative with what's in season, or use your child's favorites)

Olive Oil to toss

Fresh or dry herbs to taste

salt/pepper

8 eggs

Make spaghetti according to the directions on your package. Drain, rinse, toss with olive oil and set aside. Saute rinsed vegetables with 1 teaspoon olive oil. When desired tenderness is achieved, add spaghetti, herbs, salt and pepper and toss until warm and well mixed. 

Divide spaghetti-vegetable mix in bowls. You'll want the bowls, or nests, ready before you start the eggs. 

Cook each egg sunny side up (or to your preference). Gently place one egg on top of each nest.

My kids like the eggs left runny so that the yolk creates a sort of sauce with the olive oil. As strange as it sounds, it's delicious. They request Bird's Nests for dinner weekly. 

A tasty, nutritious meal can often be found with things right in your own pantry or refrigerator. You might surprise yourself.

Enjoy