In May of 2015 we went to Ireland. Our European vacation was packed with adventure and good food. We especially enjoyed our breakfasts. Eggs were a staple on this vacation. In fact our hotel in Ireland had hens laying fresh eggs on the property. We fell in love with creamy Eggs en Cocotte (Low Carb-Keto) and Soft Boiled Eggs!
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Let’s Talk About Dromoland, Ireland
Dromoland Ireland was our last stop. I think Dromoland should have been named Dreamyland….
Photo Tip: Use a natural ‘frame’ when possible: Using the trees to frame the Dromoland Castle made for a great shot. Again this was taken with my iPhone and I used the color, contrast, and crop editing tools available right on my phone to enhance the picture.
Where We Stayed:
We spent two days at the spectacular Dromoland Castle. It is indeed a real castle nestled near a lake and set on over 400 acres of land. The castle has everything you could ever want in a hotel. It’s quiet, beautiful, comfortable, has a great staff, world class spa and plenty of activities, such as golfing, falconry, archery, horseback riding, boating, clay shooting and fishing.
And the food?
Well it was spectacular as well! In fact, our meals at the Dromoland Castle were some of the best of the entire three week trip.
One of the best things about going to Dromoland was the sight seeing on the drive from Killarney. We passed through a small town called Waterville, it was so lovely we decided to spend the day there shopping, eating and admiring the breathtaking views! Waterville was one of the most photogenic towns we visited. See all those white dots on the patchwork hillside? Those are sheep and baby lambs!
I have never seen more beautiful countryside. And the farmhouses! My husband and I were both completely amazed that every single farm house we saw (and we saw hundreds and hundreds) were as neat and tidy as can be! I have never seen anything like it. No feed left out, or farm tools or broken down vehicles or junk. Each home and yard was immaculate! Interestingly there were many newly built farmhouses among the old ones. Below is a picture of the only farm house we saw with a tool in the yard.
We were so inspired by the tidiness of Irish farm houses that when we got home the first thing we did was tidy up our California yard.
Photo tip: Hand the camera to someone else and ask them to take a photo of you in front of an interesting door, graffiti wall or mural. If you are anything like me you tend to take all the photos so you are never in them. By taking a photo in front of an interesting background you capture the flavor of the location and get a picture of yourself. Two birds, one stone. Left to right: London, Waterville Ireland, Paris.
While at Dromoland we took advantage of the activities. We took walks and golf cart rides to explore the 400 acres, I got an amazing massage while my husband fished and we both took a falconry class. Now that is something I never thought I’d say!
Now Let’s Talk About Eggs en Cocotte (Low Carb-Keto)
Eggs en Cocotte (Low Carb-Keto) are eggs cooked in ramekins with a little cream. They are delicious, creamy, low carb and naturally keto friendly! These eggs are a no fuss breakfast option and terrific for brunches because you can cook as many as you need at one time. We ate Eggs en Cocotte or Soft Boiled Eggs literally everyday in Ireland.
The Incredible Edible Egg!
Eggs are a super food, and if you are worried about cholesterol, don’t be. They do not raise cholesterol as once reported (literally for decades, eye roll). A single egg contains 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of DHA fats (good fats!) and each egg has only 78 calories. They are definitely a great source of protein and healthy fats for the calorie count. My favorite eggs are Vital Farms organic pasture raised eggs. They have a bright orange yolk, a sign of freshness and being fed a diet rich in nutrients. If the eggs you buy have a pale yellow yolk, shop around until you find a brand with a bright orange yolk.
Keep Them Keto or Serve on Toast!
My low carb friends, you’ll eat these eggs as is, and I promise you’ll love them! For my friends that don’t adhere to a low carb diet. you can spoon them onto toast. I love them on my gorgeous homemade sourdough.
Love Eggs and Need More Recipes?
Try my Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs, they are easy to peel, I promise!
What you will need: you will need 5 oz ramekins and a glass baking dish. I use this sea salt. (affiliate links)
An easy egg recipe made in ramekins. Perfect for brunches because you can make as many as you need all at one time.
Course:
Breakfast, keto, lowcarb
Keyword:
classic recipe, easy breakfast recipe, easy brunch recipe, keto, low carb chicken
Servings: 4 servings
:
-
4
eggs -
1
Tablespoon
butter -
4
Tablespoons
heavy whipping cream - chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
- sea salt, freshly ground pepper
-
Preheat oven to 350, place oven rack in center position.
-
Use a paper towel to butter sides and bottom of ramekins
-
Fill glass baking dish with 1 inch of water
-
Place one egg in each ramekin
-
Pour 1 Tablespoon of cream on top of each egg
-
Place ramekins into baking dish and place in oven
-
Bake for 25 minutes or until whites are set and yolks are runny (don’t let the cream fool you! The eggs can appear like they haven’t cooked, but that’s just that cream sitting on top!)
-
Remove from oven, allow to rest for a few minutes (they will continue to cook a bit more) sprinkle with sea salt, pepper and chives. Serve alone to keep low carb, or scoop onto toast.
Cook time can depend on altitude. The first time you try this recipe, cook four eggs. Remove the first at 1 1/2 minutes the second at 2 minutes, the third at 2 1/2 etc… and see which suits you!
I hope you have enjoyed following along on our trip to Europe. If you need to play catch up just click: London part 1, London part 2, London part 3, Paris part 1, Paris part 2, Paris part 3, Ireland part 1, Ireland part 2. You can also check out the details of our trip on Instagram here.
Be sure to visit again in a few days! I will have an incredible Fourth of July menu for you~ Linda Spiker
MAY I PLEASE ASK A LITTLE FAVOR?
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