This beautiful arugula hash with oven baked eggs is not a product of genius or organization. It’s certainly pretty to the eyes and satisfying to the taste buds, but it wasn’t created with finesse or thought.
I’ve been reflecting on the past six years of over 600 recipes. As I scroll though the photos, a part of me gets a little impressed. It’s a body of work to be sure. But then a part of me wishes I was more organized, more intentional, and truthfully, more creative. I find myself falling into the same ruts that anyone else does in the kitchen. I could actually get intimidated by my own photos of some pretty amazing food, if I didn’t know the back story.
Yes, it’s true that I have immeasurable passion for food, and for good ingredients, and for the local farmer (no matter where that farmer lives). I’m devoted to sight, taste, smell, experience. But I sometimes imagine other food bloggers with hefty scheduled calendars, ordered pantries, and a more well defined plan.
I struggle with such things. Most of the food in my kitchen seems to just happen. While I will think about a dish from a recipe, push it around in my mind, and try to replicate it, and I will study cookbooks, I don’t usually have a plan beyond a few days. How I’ve managed to keep this blog going so consistently sometimes baffles me.
Let’s take this arugula hash. Arugula is not a typical hash or breakfast ingredient. It found its way into my hash, out of desperation to add something green. The picture was an instagram hit. The oven baked eggs is another one of those recipes that just happened and is surprisingly successful on youtube, but can be found here.
There are some truly fabulous blogs out there, who run like a machine. I’ve seem some bloggers with a social media schedule that markets every recipe and plans every hour of their idea sharper than the president. I’m in awe of that, because I tried it for a week and found myself feeling miserable and less creative. I do have white boards with general goals, recipes, restaurants I want to visit, videos I want to make etc.
I’m sure there is a space in between that melds productivity and creativity in a perfect yin yang fashion. I’m searching for that sweet spot.
How about you. Do you live by a schedule? Do you produce your (blog, art, song, book, business plan, etc.) in a streamlined orderly fashion? Do you work more by the seat of your pants. Do you work with intention?
- 1 medium potato, peeled, diced
- 1 shallot, diced (or ½ medium onion)
- 1 sweet pepper (or use the pepper of your choice) seeded, diced
- 1 big bunch of arugula (about 2 cups or more)
- 4 eggs
- olive oil for pan frying
- salt
- pepper
- Saute onion for a few minutes, just until softened.
- Add diced pepper.
- Add garlic and while stirring cook for about one minute.
- Add potatoes and saute until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Put the hast into a cast iron pan, Add arugula,
- Make a hole in the center. Make sure there is enough oil in pan, it doesn't take too much, just a film of oil.
- Add eggs in the center.
- Bake in oven at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes or until eggs are set.
Amy @ Fearless Homemaker says
March 5, 2015 at 3:14 pmOh, this hash looks so wonderful! What a great combination of flavors + textures. I’m definitely more of a laid-back/unplanned blogger — I do post regularly once a week, but sometimes it’s planned/scheduled weeks in advance, and sometimes it’s cooked up the day before! It all depends on my mood, and what we’re cooking (or crafting) around our house on any given day. And so far, I think it works for me! I, too, am impressed by the bloggers who have everything scheduled months in advance, but that’s simply not appealing to me at this point. =)
Suzanne Lamoutte says
March 4, 2015 at 7:46 amThat looks delicious! I will have to try this for sure. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Angela Roberts says
March 4, 2015 at 7:49 amThanks, Suzanne
lauryn hock says
March 3, 2015 at 6:16 pmWow! I can’t even imagine the attention to detail this took.
Jamie says
March 3, 2015 at 4:43 pmThis looks so good! I try to be scheduled and organized, but it doesn’t always happen!
Sagan says
March 3, 2015 at 3:49 pmOMG this looks amazing! Definitely Pinning this for later. I am totally obsessed with arugula – love those spicy flavors.
And as to your questions… I always have a schedule and direction to follow. But I’m flexible and that schedule and direction is always subject to change 🙂
Lily Lau says
March 3, 2015 at 3:24 pmLooks so delicious, tomorrow I’ll go get the ingredients! 😀
Tori says
March 3, 2015 at 2:52 pmThe has looks amazing! I would just have to subtract the eggs on top as those do nothing for me. As for blogging, I try to keep a consistent schedule, but I haven’t really gotten into the habit of planning out my statuses or updates. I just try to be as active as I can when I have the time.
Maria says
March 1, 2015 at 2:07 pmBy the way – the arugula hash looks fantastic – will have to try as soon as I get rid of this darn stomach bug.
Maria says
March 1, 2015 at 2:06 pmLove your photo! Is it new – or have I just been missing it for weeks???
I am not nearly as consistent as you are, on your blog. I enjoy creating jewelry. I love playing with metals – melting, bending, cutting – adding gemstones or custom sayings. But then there’s the photography. And the photoshopping. And getting everything on the web site. And reaching out on social media. Not to mention the ordinary rest of my life to take care of. Some days – most days! – it is overwhelming.
I think you have done a fantastic job – you have been consistent in posting and that is the most important thing. But you have gone beyond that and posted wonderful things – both stories and recipes. I wouldn’t change a thing, if I were you