Creating the Perfect French Omelette

For breakfast, lunch, even dinner occasionally, an omelet is the perfect way to go. It's amazingly simple and satisfying and takes only minutes to prepare and enjoy. Not a day passes that I don't think about cooking and serving a 3 egged beauty for one of my meals prepared throughout the day. They are easy to make and a surefire remedy for using up all those leftovers you have stored in the fridge. An omelet is a comfort food, taking you back to the golden days of your youth. And the best part of all is that you can whip up one in literally minutes, using only the most basic ingredients; a few eggs, a pinch of salt and pepper, a chunk of butter, and you're ready to create. Or for those who are a little more adventurous, the omelet gives you in avenue in which to be creative. Onions, cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or all of these; can be added to the omelet creating a culinary masterpiece. Just about any fruit, vegetable, cheese or basically anything else you may have in your fridge can be added to the omelet. Just remember that if you are adding items like onions or shallots they require a quick saute before adding to the eggs. just about anybody can make a perfect, delicious omelet. All you need to do is follow a few basic and easy tips for creating the perfect omelet.

The omelet dates back nearly 2,000 years. Legend has it that the Romans were experimenting with an egg dish containing milk, honey and pepper and cooking it into a custard like dish. Over the centuries the French took hold of the idea, ran with it and thus invented the omelet. Julia Child says that 'Making a real omelet is an art'. At top restaurants in France, chefs are oftentimes hired solely on their ability to create the perfect omelet. France is known for their passion for cooking. According to the French, a perfect omelet should be fluffy, creamy, with a slight spring, almost like eating pastry from one of the finest French bakeries.

One of my favorite omelets is the 'Santa Fe' which consists of eggs, butter, salt and pepper, with some chorizo (Mexican sausage), jalapenos and Mexican cheese thrown in. It's delicious but might be a little to spicy for those with more delicate taste buds. Another favorite of mine is adding sliced deli ham, pepper jack cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes and sauted shallots to the eggs, creating my 'Eastern delight' omelet. This one my kids love because it's slightly spicy from the pepper jack, but not overwhelming. To make the perfect version of an omelet suitable for the French, you'll need

3 eggs at room temperature

Pinch of salt and pepper

1 tbsp of olive oil

1 tbsp of unsalted butter

1. You'll want to very gingerly break the eggs into a small metal bowl.
Keep your salt and pepper near you so their ready to add when needed.

2. Beat eggs vigorously with a whisk until a moose of tiny bubbles appears around the top. Heat a small nonstick pan over medium high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on your eggs.

3. When your pan is very hot, add the oil, then butter, coating the entire surface of the pan.
Pour the eggs into the center of the pan. As they start to cook and become firm, run a rubber spatula under the edges, bunching the mixture toward the center so it can evenly cook.

4. When eggs are firm and nearly dry, fold over omelet with spatula. ( with a lot of practice you can do as the French, and fold your omelet over with a flick of the pan) slide the omelet onto a plate and serve immediately.
This is the French version of a basic omelet. To add other ingredients, have them precut and waiting. Toss them in between steps 3 and 4.

With these simple tips you to can create an omelet that is worthy of the French. For more information, ideas and recipes for omelets visit www.instructables.com/.../ how-to-make-the-perfect-french-omelet, www.bhg.com or www.epicurious.com