OMELETS
A plain French omelet is, perhaps, one of the most difficult of all
things to make; that is, it is the most difficult to have well made in
the ordinary private house. Failures come from beating the eggs until
they are too light, or having the butter too hot, or cooking the
omelet too long before serving.
In large families, where it is necessary to use a dozen eggs, two
omelets will be better than one. A six-egg omelet is quite easily
handled. Do not use milk; it toughens the eggs and gives an unpleasant
flavor to the omelet. An "omelet pan," a shallow frying pan, should be
kept especially for omelets. Each time it is used rub until dry, but
do not wash. Dust it with salt and rub it with brown paper until
perfectly clean.
To make an omelet: First, put a tablespoonful of butter in the middle
of the pan. Let it heat slowly. Break the eggs in a bowl, add a
tablespoonful of water to each egg and give twelve good, vigorous
beats.
To each six eggs allow a saltspoonful of pepper, and, if you
like, a tablespoonful of finely chopped parsley. Take the eggs, a
limber knife and the salt to the stove. Draw the pan over the hottest
part of the fire, turn in the eggs, and dust over a half teaspoonful
of salt.
Shake the pan so that the omelet moves and folds itself over
each time you draw the pan towards you. Lift the edge of the omelet,
allowing the thin, uncooked portion of the egg to run underneath.
Shake again, until the omelet is "set." Have ready heated a platter,
fold over the omelet and turn it out. Garnish with parsley, and send
to the table.
If one can make a plain French omelet, it may be converted into many,
many kinds.
OMELET WITH ASPARAGUS TIPS
Make a plain omelet from six eggs, have ready a half pint of cream
sauce, and either a can or a bundle of cooked asparagus. Cut off the
tips, preserving the lower portions for another dish.
When the omelet is turned onto the heated platter, put the asparagus tips at the ends,
cover them with cream sauce, pour the rest of the cream sauce in the
platter, not over the omelet.
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