Hail To The Chief

Yes, Nueske's bacon! We made BLTs but jealously guarded the last two rashers for the next morning when we made Smashed Eggs. Smashed eggs are gently, gently scrambled eggs, patiently stirred over a low heat until they curdle moistly around the bacon bits that were heated in the same pan before adding the eggs.

Don't ask me why, but this tastes better than plain old bacon-and-eggs, even though they are the same ingredients. It makes no earthly sense but it is sublimely true.

I learned this trick from a Chief in the Navy, Ben Banks, who taught me how to make these. He taught me by example many other more important things - to take pride in simple tasks, to accept life's hard times with grace, to turn even adversity into joy - and I will always love and remember him for those life lessons. But the one that brings his smiling face to mind every time I make it is Smashed Eggs.

Thanks, Chief Banks.