As all of us chicken parents know, summer is the height of egg production.  Longer days with more sunlight start those hens a-laying.  This can lead to having a big stockpile.  Giving eggs to friends, family & neighbors helps, but what to do with the rest? Here are some easy tips for using up those extra summer eggs.

1.  Recipes to Use Them UP!

Egg salad, potato salad, noodles, custards, French toast, lemon curd, quiche, and frittata are all dishes requiring lots of eggs.  Deviled, fried, scrambled, or poached, there are endless possibilities.   

2.  Freeze Without The Shell

You can’t freeze them in the shell, but you can freeze the insides.  To freeze, crack yolks and whites into a bowl and mix briefly, then pour into ice cube trays.  If you want to keep the whites and yolks separated you can do this too.  Whites don’t need to be beaten, but yolks do and will require the addition of 1/2 tsp. salt OR 1 and 1/2 tsp. sugar for each cup of yolks, so decide if you will be using them for savory or sweet (and don’t forget to label which they are!)   Once frozen, you can remove and place in a freezer appropriate storage container. 

3.  Freeze The Yolks

Freeze hard boiled yolks.  You can’t freeze hard boiled whites or they will be rubbery and unappetizing.  The easiest way to do this is to separate the white from the yolk, then drop the yolks in a pan of water so they are just covered.  Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pan from heat and let stand 10-15 minutes.  Drain the water and voila!  The yolks are ready to freeze.

4.  Pickle Them

Make pickled eggs.  These are hard-boiled eggs cured in a brine.  This was a technique used before refrigeration.  My friend Jaclyn made some and brought them to work once for us to try, and they were delicious as well as super pretty.  Here is a great recipe for pickled eggs.

5.  Give Them to Your Critters

Feed them to your pets!  Cooked eggs can be fed to your dog, chickens, cats, etc.  Eggs are an excellent source of protein, calcium, iron, B vitamins and amino acids.  Never give raw eggs to animals due to risk for bacterial poisoning.  Feeding raw could also interfere with absorption of vitamin B.  Always check with your veterinarian prior to giving them to fur babies if you suspect allergies.  My German Shepherd, cats and chickens love them!

Helpful Tips:

• Always label stored eggs so you know when you first stored or froze them.  Include added ingredients, such as salt or sugar.
• You can freeze eggs for up to a year.
• Always thaw frozen eggs in the refrigerator; never attempt to cook them straight from the freezer.
• For recipes, 3 Tablespoons of thawed raw egg = 1 egg.
• Never go into the chicken coop barefoot!

Thank you for visiting my blog!  You may also like Rare Chicken Breeds and Common Chicken Sayings.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.