Eggs; once a tool of mischief, now a blackmarket runner-up.

Crates and crates of eggs had once graced the shelves of local grocers across the fruited plain. Now secret whispers of where one can get farm fresh eggs abound in the empty refrigerated sections.

But should we even be eating eggs? What about all the cholesterol and heart disease? Will I die from salmonella after touching an unwashed egg shell? 

Now let's just hold on a minute, don't let a headline change your mind about raising hens or eating eggs. It's important to follow guidelines from those who have gone before and with a little bit of common sense there's no reason why you can't enjoy the benefits of raising laying hens.

Raising hens can be a rewarding experience. 

Why?

You'll know where your eggs are coming from and how they were raised. You know your eggs are healthy and free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Once you get raising, feeding and caring for your backyard flock you'll start to understand what controls the quality of your eggs, such as the color of the yolks and the size of the eggs.

Raising chickens is also a great way to teach children about where their food comes from how to take care of chickens. It can be an educational experience for the whole family.

Chickens can be a great addition to your backyard and garden. They are natural pest control; eating grasshoppers, scorpions, termites, mice, flies and June bugs. Your chickens are literally turning these bugs into pure natural egg energy.

Chickens can help fertilize your garden and they also are fun and interesting to watch; some have their own unique personalities and behaviors like Gallo del Cielo. 

Chickens have no taste for human blood and eggs are not salmonella covered biohazards.

Raising your own food is fun and rewarding. Find a resource for raising your own laying hens and follow its guidelines. Joel Salatin is a good resource.  Trust the wisdom of farmers with lifetimes of passed down information. 

Follow through with your plans, use all the information available to you. It is chicken season and you can order chicks for pick up today. 

You could be relaxing with a plate of homegrown organic fried eggs in 6 months.

Fuel your primal edge, eat like a carnivore.

Lars

PS: here are some easy to follow tips on cooking eggs in diner style. 

How to Cook Eggs: Over Easy, Over Medium, and Over Hard

Cooking eggs can be tricky, but with a little bit of practice, you'll be able to make perfect eggs every time. This is av  guide on how to cook eggs "over easy," "over medium," and "over hard."

Over Easy

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil or butter.

• Crack the egg into the skillet.

• Cook the egg for about 2-3 minutes, until the white is set and the yolk is still runny.

• Use a spatula to flip the egg over and cook for an additional 10-20 seconds on the other side.

• Carefully remove the egg from the skillet and serve immediately.

Over Medium

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil or butter.

• Crack the egg into the skillet.

• Cook the egg for about 3-4 minutes, until the white is set and the yolk is beginning to thicken.

• Use a spatula to flip the egg over and cook for an additional 10-20 seconds on the other side.

• Carefully remove the egg from the skillet and serve immediately.

Over Hard

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil or butter.

• Crack the egg into the skillet.

• Cook the egg for about 4-5 minutes, until the white is set and the yolk is fully cooked.

• Use a spatula to flip the egg over and cook for an additional 10-20 seconds on the other side.

• Carefully remove the egg from the skillet and serve immediately.

Note:

• Cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your skillet and the size of your eggs.

• Make sure to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the eggs from sticking.

• If you're making multiple eggs, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure that all of the eggs are cooked to your liking.

• Be sure to use a spatula to flip the eggs, as they can be delicate and may break easily.