Bageleggs: The Ultimate Comfort Breakfast and How to Make Them | A Day of Family Fun & Culinary Nostalgia

Some days simply feel more lived than others. They’re packed with laughter, a flurry of activity, and unexpected culinary delights that somehow encapsulate the very essence of home and family. Recently, we had one such day – a marathon of early mornings, ambitious projects, and the kind of spontaneous fun that creates lasting memories. From tackling the ever-challenging basement to orchestrating Calgary’s most charming lemonade stand, every moment was infused with a vibrant energy that left us wonderfully exhausted and deeply content. And as the day wound down, a simple yet profoundly comforting dish emerged from our family’s culinary history: the beloved bagelegg.

A Day Full of Joy and Organized Chaos

Our day kicked off bright and early, with the alarm clock signaling 6:30 AM. There’s a particular kind of motivation that comes with the promise of a productive weekend, even if “productive” sometimes feels more like “chaotic.” Our first major undertaking was the basement – a notorious black hole of forgotten treasures and accumulated necessities. What began as an earnest attempt to organize quickly morphed into a delightful disorganization, a necessary step, we told ourselves, before true order could emerge. Piles were shifted, boxes were opened, and the sheer volume of items became a testament to years of family life.

Adding to our basement’s burgeoning collection were the spoils from a couple of energetic church sales. There’s an undeniable thrill in the hunt for unique finds, the joy of discovering a hidden gem, but also the humorous reality that these new acquisitions often contribute to the very “dire basement situation” we were trying to alleviate. It’s a cycle familiar to many, a testament to the allure of a good bargain and the hope of future utility.

The Best Lemonade Stand in Calgary: A Sweet Success Story

Amidst the organizing frenzy, preparations were well underway for a truly special event: my niece’s yard sale and lemonade stand. This wasn’t just any lemonade stand; it was destined to be an experience. We spent time in the kitchen crafting a batch of classic peanut butter puffed wheat squares – a beloved, sticky-sweet treat that practically guarantees a crowd. While the adults managed the yard sale items, the kids found their own brand of fun, splashing gleefully in big buckets of water and defying gravity on the trampoline, their laughter echoing through the backyard.

The lemonade stand itself was a masterpiece of youthful entrepreneurship and heartfelt effort. My sister, with her knack for unique finds, had unearthed an antique juicer, which not only added a touch of rustic charm but also ensured every glass of lemonade was squeezed fresh to order. Imagine the sight: a perfectly arranged pyramid of bright, fresh lemons, sparkling sugar, and a pitcher brimming with ice water, all invitingly displayed. Handmade signs, lovingly decorated with crayon and glitter, announced the offerings: not just the tart, refreshing lemonade, but also delectable chocolate cupcakes and, of course, our signature puffed wheat squares.

It wasn’t just the delicious treats or the perfectly pitched setup that made it the best lemonade stand in Calgary; it was the entire atmosphere. The genuine enthusiasm of the kids, the engaging banter with customers, and the simple joy of sharing a cool drink on a warm day created an unforgettable experience for everyone who stopped by. I still regret not having my camera to capture those vibrant moments – the sun glinting off the antique juicer, the proud smiles of the young entrepreneurs, and the pure, unadulterated community spirit. It was a perfect blend of childhood magic and homemade goodness, a truly quintessential summer memory.

From Dinner Dilemma to Bagelegg Bliss

After such an exhilarating day, it was no surprise that our little one, W, crashed hard. He slept right through dinnertime, utterly spent from all the excitement. When he finally woke up around 7 PM, the lingering grogginess, coupled with a deep-seated craving for comfort food, led to a classic childhood standoff. I, ever the resourceful parent, had doctored up the leftover fusilli with spinach meatballs from the previous night, baking it with a generous layer of cheese to make it extra appealing. I even brought it up to share with him in bed, hoping to coax him into eating without further disruption to his fragile post-nap state.

Alas, my efforts were met with a full-blown meltdown. His heart was set on “eggs and toast,” and anything less was simply unacceptable. I tried, briefly, to explain that I wasn’t running a five-star restaurant, gently hinting at the concept of what’s available at home versus dining out – a concept that, it seems, he hasn’t quite grasped yet. But in the face of his unwavering determination and my own desire for a peaceful evening, I finally relented. Sometimes, comfort trumps culinary education, and on this particular evening, only one dish would do: bageleggs.

The History of Bageleggs: A Culinary Journey from Toronto to Calgary

For us, bageleggs are far more than just a meal; they’re a cherished family tradition, a taste of home and nostalgia. My mom first started making them when we lived in Toronto, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene and, specifically, its abundance of bagel shops. Back then, it felt like there was a fresh bagel bakery on every block, the aroma of warm, chewy dough a constant, comforting presence. This Toronto upbringing deeply ingrained bagels into our family’s breakfast routine.

The move to Calgary in the late 1970s brought with it a significant culture shock, especially for a young child. Calgary, at that time, was a very different place – a burgeoning city with its own unique charm, but one conspicuously lacking in bagels. I vividly recall my Toronto dentist, with a touch of playful exaggeration, telling me that if I ate a bagel a day, I would never need braces. For a while, this “stupid new city” – where everyone seemed to wear cowboy hats, schools lacked swimming pools, and the very concept of a fresh bagel was foreign – filled me with dread, convinced I’d be condemned to a headgear for a substantial part of my precious elementary school life.

The absence of this simple staple felt like a major culinary void. Then, like a beacon of hope for our Toronto-rooted palates, we discovered Bagels & Buns on 17th Avenue. It was more than just a shop; it was a connection to our past, a place where we could finally find that familiar, chewy, crusty goodness that was so central to our family’s breakfast traditions. It was there that our family’s bagelegg tradition truly solidified, transforming a simple bagel into a versatile canvas for a perfect egg.

Mastering the Bagelegg: A Simple Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Making a bagelegg is surprisingly simple, yet the results are incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that celebrates the humble bagel and the versatile egg, combining them into a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any time of day, especially after a long, active one. If you’re looking to recreate this nostalgic breakfast, here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh bagel (any variety you prefer, but a plain or sesame works wonderfully)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Your favorite toppings like cheese, hot sauce, herbs, or a slice of avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Bagel: Start by slicing your bagel in half horizontally. Ensure you have two distinct bagel rings.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add both the butter and the olive oil. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly, while the butter adds a rich, delicious flavor. Swirl them around until the butter is melted and the pan is shimmering.
3. Toast the Bagel: Place the bagel halves, cut side down, into the hot skillet. Allow them to toast for 1-2 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. This creates that desirable crunchy bottom that defines a great bagelegg.
4. Add the Egg: Carefully crack one egg directly into the hole of one of the bagel halves. If your bagel has a particularly small hole, you might need to gently tear or widen it a little to accommodate the egg yolk. Repeat with the second bagel half if you’re making two, or save the other half for another time.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   • For a Runny Yolk (Our Preferred Method): Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil) to allow the top of the egg to steam gently. You can also baste the top of the egg with the hot butter and oil from the pan to help it cook more evenly without flipping. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolk is still wonderfully runny.
   • For an Over-Easy Egg: Once the whites are mostly set, carefully flip the bagelegg over and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring the yolk is still soft but cooked through to your liking.
6. Season and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the bagelegg from the skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

The beauty of the bagelegg lies in its simplicity and texture. The bottom of the bagel gets wonderfully crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, warm bagel interior. Crucially, the sturdy sides of the bagel hole act as a perfect protective barrier, ensuring the yolk remains intact and wonderfully runny until you’re ready to break into it. It’s a complete meal in one neat package, offering satisfying carbs, protein, and delicious fats. I hadn’t made a bagelegg in years, and rediscovering how much I adore them was a true delight. That first bite, with the warm, buttery bagel meeting the perfectly cooked egg, was pure comfort.

Concluding a Day of Simple Pleasures

Looking back on that day, it was a beautiful tapestry woven from grand plans, small victories, and unexpected moments of joy. From the ambitious basement project to the bustling lemonade stand and the comforting simplicity of bageleggs, it was a testament to the richness of family life. And yes, in full disclosure, before those savory bageleggs even hit the plate, I had already made a significant dent in the pan of delicious peanut butter puffed wheat squares. It seems even adults aren’t immune to the irresistible allure of childhood treats!

This day was a reminder that the best memories are often forged in the everyday moments – the shared laughter, the minor frustrations, the comforting routines, and the dishes that transport us back to simpler times. The bagelegg, for our family, is one such dish. It’s a symbol of adaptability, nostalgia, and the enduring power of a homemade meal to bring warmth and happiness to the busiest of days. We encourage you to try making bageleggs for yourself and perhaps start a new, delicious tradition in your own home.