I’ve officially moved back to the east coast, Hoboken to be exact. Located directly across the Hudson river from Manhattan, Hoboken is the home of baseball and birthplace of Frank Sinatra. It’s nicknamed the “mile square city” because, well, it’s only about 1 square mile in size. But don’t let the size fool you, it’s the 4th most densely populated city in the United States. I’ve lived in Hoboken for 5+ years now and I love this town. There are so many good restaurants here and there just aren’t enough meals in the day. If you’ve spent any amount of time in New Jersey you may have noticed that come breakfast time, the deli’s and bagel shops are packed. The odd part is that everyone orders the same thing – taylor ham, egg and cheese – on a bagel or a roll. If you’re unclear as to exactly what taylor ham is, it’s ok, nobody knows. Taylor ham, also called pork roll, is a terribly delicious log of ham that is sliced thick, grilled, and placed atop the egg and cheese. The resulting creation is unbelievably satisfying and can cure the roughest of evenings. Now that I’m back, I felt it necessary to make my own healthier, peanut buttery version of the classic Jersey breakfast.
Print
1 whole-grain bagel or roll
1/4 cup egg substitute (or 1 egg)
1 slice nonfat american cheese
1 thick slice of ham or canadian bacon
1T peanut butter (optional)
Directions:
Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add the ham. Cook the ham for 2 minutes and then place aside. Spray the pan again and pour in the egg. Flip the egg after about 2 minutes and cook for an additional minute. Fold the egg into about the same size as the roll and place the slice of cheese on top. After 1 minute, lift up the egg and place the ham in the skillet to cook the other side and place the egg/cheese on top. After 1-2 minutes, place the tasty tower on a bagel spread with peanut butter, toasted first if desired.
Additional Info:
The bagels I use are the “Alternative Bagels” from Western Bagel. They are very high in fiber and protein and surprisingly low in carbs and calories. They are a bit on the small side but taste wonderful and are usually found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. But for a true experience, I recommend using a fresh bagel from a Jersey or New York deli, if available.
Related Entries
Email This
There is little better than a good bagel sandwich! I am a huge fan myself. Welcome back to the eastern seaboard!
Hmmm, I’m still on the fence about adding pb to things like this, but you sure make it look good in your pictures!
It was actually better than I thought
Being originally from New Jersey, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Pork Roll!
Not only is this one of my very favourite breakfasts, I eat it for dinner sometimes too.
Welcome back to the east coast. Feels like home doesn’t it?
It does, and food was one of the things I missed the most!
Mmmmm tasty! I love your healthified version. And I’ve never heard of those bagels- they look great.
Love the jersey breakfast – especially with PB!
woo, didn’t know you were in Jersey. I love taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a kaiser roll!
Indeed! I missed this town and the food along with it!
Wierd, I just cited a book for my thesis today that was published in Hoboken! I’ve never heard of the place, but it sounds great :)
The sandwich looks great. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for the alternative bagel, it sounds much better than the western bagels, which are huge, full of simple carbs, and calories.
Most people haven’t heard of Hoboken, but I’ve found that almost everyone from the NYC area knows about it. Good luck on your thesis =)
I love that you added PB!
I had no idea you had any connection with Hoboken…I moved here from upstate, NY and have been here for about 2 years. Kind of off topic but…what are some of your fav. restaurants here? I work in NYC but feel like certain restaurants/happy hour specials in Hoboken can’t be beat! :)
Ah, so you live in Hoboken as well? I agree, NYC is great but sometimes Hoboken is better for food and drinks in my opinion. Things have changed since I’ve been here but here’s a few favorites:
If you like wings, go to 10th and Willow on Monday, unlimited free wings with no purchase required. Rogo’s also has a cheap wing night but I forget which day.
As for restaurants, a new favorite is actually Satay, a Malaysian/Chinese restaurant that offers a healthified menu that is surprisingly delicious and cheap. Besides that, the best restaurants in town are Robongi, Charritos, Amandas (early dinner special!), Giovanni’s and Grimaldi’s (pizza), Vito’s and Fiore’s (Delis), Karma Cafe (lunch buffet!) and Aroma (lunch special – 2 sushi rolls, any soup, salad – $7.95). Don’t forget Arthur’s for filet mignon sandwiches and Rejuiceanation for awesome mixed salads. Hope that’s enough to get you going =)
I had no idea you were in hoboken. I live close by and my boyfriend works there. What are your favorite hoboken restaurants? when i first moved here i was amazed by the bagels and scared of the taylor ham.
Haha, it is a bit scary at first, I’ll give you that. It seems a lot of people are from around Hobo, how crazy! As for the restaurants, see the above comment – there’s a ton of good food here!
i just found your blog and I can officially say im obsessed with it!! I love how much pb you use :) i must have book marked a dozen recipes!!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy it so much! Personally I don’t think I use enough pb =)
i’ll try this with smoked turkey breast since i don’t do pork/ham. i should have had peanut butter with apples tonight, instead of a really cocktail!
It would be great with turkey I’m sure, or what about some turkey bacon? A cocktail for dinner? That’s it?
Yay on the official settling down in Hoboken! I think making their classic breakfast (PB-fied!) is a great way to celebrate your return!
Thanks Marta! I agree, I wasn’t the Peanut Butter Boy last time I lived here so I need to make my mark on this town!
Ahh, yes, the taylor ham and cheese… know it well, it was the weekend breakfast of my childhood!
Hoboken is pretty damn close to the Peanut Butter & Co in the village! NJ Bloggers trip, anyone? : D
Not a bad idea at all! Is there a NJ bloggers group? I would think so…. Although the PB & Co sandwich shop is a bit disappointing in my mind – I was so excited to go but in the end it was just a simple sandwich shop. I think I need to start my own!
Yum!! That does look good…even though I am trying to eat less meat/cheese!
oh wow, pb? gotta try that!