Holiday baking inspiration with your chickens’ eggs

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with some festive baking? And, with a backyard flock of chickens, fresh eggs can take your holiday recipes to the next level, adding richness, flavour, and a golden-hue that store-bought eggs can’t compete with. Add in some homegrown herbs and vegetables, and your holiday table will showcase the best of your backyard. Here is some holiday baking inspiration with your chickens’ eggs, sure to delight your guests and nourish your family. 

Why are fresh eggs better for holiday baking? 

Eggs from your chicken coop are healthier and much fresher than store-bought eggs. This is because you dictate your flock’s diet, ensuring that quality feed is converted into nutritious eggs, and due to the fact that by the time commercially available eggs hit the market shelves, they’re already several weeks old. When you crack open to compare a store-bought egg to a fresh egg, you’ll notice the differences right away. Fresh eggs have a deeper, richer yellow to their yolks, thicker whites, and healthier shells. Higher in omega-3s and other nutrients, fresh eggs are the perfect foundation for a season of holiday baking. 

Savoury dishes 

Not all holiday baking is sugary sweets for Santa. Some of the best ways to showcase your hens’ nutritious eggs are through brunch or breakfast recipes. Savoury egg recipes complement the nature of this superfood, creating visually stunning and nutritionally unparalleled dishes.  

Perfectly fluffy quiche 

Quiche is a holiday brunch favourite, combining the flakiness of crust with the creaminess of an egg filling. Fresh eggs really shine in this dish, making each slice a celebration of flavour. 

Ingredients: 

• 6 fresh eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream or whole milk 
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss work well) 
• 1 cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, or onions)
• 1 prepared pie crust (uncooked)
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Optional: fresh garden herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F/200°C.
2. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. 
3. Whisk the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. 
4. Layer the vegetables and cheese in the crust, then pour the egg mixture over the top. 
5. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavour. 
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the centre is set and the top is golden. 

Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy richness your flocks’ eggs bring to the table. 

Festive vegetable frittata 

A frittata is essentially a crustless quiche, perfect for showcasing fresh eggs and seasonal vegetables. It’s versatile and easy-to-make —  great for holiday breakfasts or light lunches. And because it’s crustless, your hens’ eggs are the metaphorical bread and butter of this dish. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 fresh eggs 
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups diced vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes) 
• ½ cup cheese (feta or goat cheese add even more flavour) 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or dill 

Instructions: 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C
• Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Saute the vegetables until tender. 
• Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the vegetables. 
• Cook on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle the cheese on top. 
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is slightly golden. 

Slice into wedges and garnish with fresh herbs for a colourful, festive finish. 

Sweets: a holiday staple 

No Christmas is complete without cookies. And while culture and geographical locations influence what is common or standard for cookies this time of year, some of the most popular and recognisable cookies are traditional sugar and gingerbread. And, as you may have guessed, your chickens play a vital role in providing the ingredients for the festive classics. 

Simple sugar cookies with royal icing 

Sugar cookies are a must during the holidays, especially when decorated with vibrant royal icing. Fresh eggs ensure your cookies are soft and tender, while the egg whites provide the base for the icing. 

Ingredients for the cookies: 

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 
• ½ teaspoon baking powder 
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1 fresh egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the royal icing: 

• 2 fresh egg whites 
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles for decorating 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°/180°C.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. 
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, forming a soft dough. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
5. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely. 
6. For the icing, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until thick and glossy. Divide and colour as desired. 

Decorate your cookies with your family and enjoy as a festive, flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite holiday movie. 

Spiced gingerbread cookies 

Nothing says the holidays like gingerbread cookies. Fresh eggs help these cookies achieve the perfect chewy texture, while the blend of spices fills your home with distinctive, warm and festive aroma. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves 
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 
• ¾ brown sugar 
• ½ cup molasses 
• 1 fresh egg 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices. 
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and the brown sugar. Mix in the molasses and egg until smooth. 
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 
5. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely before decorating. 

These cookies are perfect for gifting, or for constructing a gingerbread house with the family. 

Omlet and your chickens 

Using fresh eggs from your flock isn’t just practical — it’s a celebration of a lifestyle. Vibrant yolks and unbeatable flavour elevate every recipe, from sweet to savoury. So, get ready to gather eggs from your chicken coop, don your apron, and whip up some amazing festive treats, courtesy of your hens. Don’t forget to offer them some kitchen scraps in their chicken treat holder or decorate their walk in chicken run to let them share in the festivities of the season. 

 

This entry was posted in Chickens

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