Food writer Tom Parker Bowles has unveiled a cherished royal family breakfast tradition, sharing his mother Queen Camilla's simple yet beloved Boxing Day dish.
The Royal Boxing Day Tradition
In his book, 'Cooking and The Crown', Tom describes how this recipe became a Boxing Day staple in the household. He fondly recalls his mother preparing the meal in "huge quantities" with "minimum fuss," often using eggs from their own supply. Tom claims he has "never eaten a finer egg" than in this particular dish.
The recipe carries a touch of royal whimsy, thanks to the late Princess Margaret. Princess Margaret disliked the term 'scrambled' and insisted on calling the creation "buttered eggs," a name Tom notes has an "appealing burr."
How to Make Queen Camilla's Buttered Eggs
For anyone eager to replicate this royal breakfast, Tom's instructions are refreshingly straightforward. To feed two people, you will need just four ingredients: four eggs, a knob of salted butter, smoked salmon, and bread for serving.
The method is key to achieving the perfect texture. Begin by whisking the eggs lightly with a touch of salt and pepper until they are just well mixed. Next, melt approximately 30g of butter in a pan until it begins to foam.
The crucial secret is to keep the heat low throughout the cooking process. Tom warns that too high a heat will result in a dry, unappealing texture he compares to "wall insulator." Once the pan is at the correct temperature, pour in the eggs and stir continuously with a wooden spoon.
Cook until the eggs are set but still retain a slight, luxurious wobble. Then, gently fold through slices of smoked salmon and adjust the seasoning. Serve piled generously onto buttered toast or bread, with Tom recommending brown bread for the best result. The entire process takes a mere 10 to 20 minutes.
Unexpected Health Benefits of a Royal Favourite
Beyond its comforting taste and royal pedigree, this simple dish may offer some health advantages. According to a nutritionist cited in a report, eggs are a powerful source of high-quality protein.
Helen Bell, a nutritionist at the UK Care Guide, explained that eggs can aid in weight management. "In my experience, consuming eggs as a snack can actually be quite beneficial for weight loss," she said. "Eggs are high in protein, which helps to increase satiety and keep you feeling fuller for longer. This can reduce the overall calorie intake throughout the day."
She added the caveat that portion control and healthy preparation methods are important to maximise benefits and avoid unnecessary added fats.
This revelation adds another layer of appeal to Queen Camilla's Boxing Day tradition, blending royal heritage, culinary simplicity, and nutritional wisdom into one delightful dish.
