Which came to the table first...The Chicken or the Egg?

My interest in recipes caused me to research the history of recipes. I found an interesting timeline of food. The top three were ice & water, salt, and fish & shellfish, all traced back before 17,000 BC. Fourth on the list were eggs & mushrooms, prompting me to reconsider the age old quandary, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"

Based on this timeline, I see that eggs made it to market sooner than the chicken. Domesticated chicken didn't come to taste until 3200 BC. Interestingly, recipes as we know today didn't surface until the first century AD.

As you ponder this, perhaps you would enjoy this recipe commemorating how far eggs have come after almost 20,000 years:

Quiche' cups (variation on South Beach Diet's original)

Makes about 10 cups
Grease cup cake pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• 6-8 eggs, depending on size
• 1pkg frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (usually cheddar, but jack, Havarti, mozzarella will work)
• 1 small/medium zucchini, diced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• Minced garlic, or garlic powder to taste, optional
• Salt & pepper to taste, optional
• A little milk to make the eggs fluffy
• optional: Parmesan, thyme or Italian seasonings, bell pepper, spring onions, mushrooms, carrots, or veggies you enjoy)

Scramble eggs and a bit of milk together in large bowl. Add spinach, 3/4 cup cheese, and remaining ingredients to egg mixture. Stir well with fork. Use tablespoon to scoop egg mixture into individual cups in pan; fill about 3/4+ full. Top with remaining shredded cheese and bake in 350 degree oven until knife or toothpick come out clean, usually about 8-12 minutes; do NOT over bake or the eggs will be tough.

Allow to cool to touch and remove from pan; serve immediately or save for later. Quiche' cups can be frozen and heated up later in microwave (only about 1 minute or so each), which makes them great for breakfast-in-a-hurry, or a snack or meal at work. Be creative and make as plain or flavorful as you like. :)

Enjoy!~