Frittata with Ham, Cream Cheese and Chives

I feel like patting myself on the back today for getting up and making my family a hot breakfast. Ok, I'll admit it was more like brunch than breakfast, but who cares? My people got more than a banquet of toast and cereal today.

I was thinking this morning that we just may be one of the world's most lazy weekend families around. It's an accomplishment for us if we even get dressed before evening hits. I'm not exactly proud if this fact but oh well, that's just how we roll.

Actually, we do have a little bit of an excuse. A few years ago my husband started working nights and as a family we all started to gravitate towards being late night people. In the summertime it gets kinda insane and we basically become nocturnal. It's not typical, but we get to spend more time with Dad and that's what counts.

Frittata with Ham, Cream Cheese and Chives

~serves 6~

Note* This recipe uses a total of 12 eggs, 6 whole eggs and 6 egg whites. You could also use 6 eggs and 3/4 c. store-bought egg whites.

Note** If your skillet doesn't have a oven-proof handle you can get around this by wrapping the handle with a double layer of heavy duty aluminum foil.

Ingredients:

12 egg whites

6 egg yolks

2 T. minced fresh chives

3 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese 

4 oz. chopped ham

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1 1/2 T. unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Adjust the oven rack so it is about 6 inches from the broiler element. Heat the broiler. In a medium bowl beat the eggs with chives salt and pepper. 

2. Separate the cream cheese into about 1/2 inch-3/4 inch chunks. I did this by using 2 spoons, one spoon to scoop of small portions of cream cheese, and a second spoon to scrape it off the first spoon into the bowl with the eggs. Stir gently to combine.

3. Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet with a oven-proof handle over medium-high heat, add the ham and brown lightly. Reduce the heat to medium and add the eggs. Using a heat proof spatula stir the eggs around until large wet curds form, about 1-2 minutes. Shake the pan to evenly distribute the eggs. Leave the pan on the heat, with out stirring for 1-2 minutes until beginning to brown on the bottom.

4. Transfer the pan to the oven and broil until the frittata is puffy and spotty brown, 3-4 minutes. Remove pan for broiler and let stand about 3 minutes to finish setting up. Carefully slide frittata onto a cutting board or serving platter and cut into wedges.