Omelette. Mrs. H. T. Van Fleet. Recipe

The omelette is a versatile dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and spread to other parts of the Middle East and Europe over time. Today, the omelette is embraced as a classic breakfast or brunch option that can be customized with a variety of fillings.

One interesting fun fact about omelettes is that they were a favorite dish of Napoleon Bonaparte. Legend has it that he often demanded omelettes during his military campaigns, and his personal chef, Antoine Carême, would prepare them using a golden fork and plate. This is why omelettes are sometimes referred to as "omelettes à la Napoleon".

Now let's dive into a specific recipe for omelette: Mrs. H. T. Van Fleet's Omelette.

Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 2 teaspoonfuls of corn starch
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Butter, for greasing the pan

Instructions:
1. Start by cracking the eggs and separating the yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a mixing bowl and set the whites aside.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the corn starch and salt in the milk.
3. Add the milk mixture to the beaten egg yolks and whisk everything together until well combined.
4. In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer or whisk until they reach a stiff froth consistency.
5. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, taking care not to deflate the froth too much. This will help make your omelette fluffy and light.
6. Preheat a buttered spider or oven-safe skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
7. While the skillet is heating up, pour the omelette mixture into the pan, ensuring it spreads evenly.
8. Allow the omelette to cook for a few minutes until it starts to set around the edges.
9. Once the edges are set, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake the omelette until it turns a light brown color. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes in a quick oven.
10. Remove the omelette from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help the omelette set and hold its shape better.

Now that you have mastered Mrs. H. T. Van Fleet's omelette recipe, let's explore some variations and similar dishes you can try.

1. Vegetable Omelette: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach to the omelette mixture for a flavorful and healthy twist.

2. Cheese and Ham Omelette: Sprinkle grated cheese and diced ham over the omelette mixture before baking for a savory and indulgent treat.

3. Spanish Tortilla: This is a traditional Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions. Thinly slice and lightly fry the potatoes and onions before adding them to the egg mixture. Cook the tortilla in a skillet until golden and set. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

4. Frittata: Similar to an omelette, a frittata is an Italian dish that is typically cooked on the stovetop and finished under the broiler. It often includes a combination of eggs, cheese, vegetables, and meats.

5. French-style Omelette: The French are renowned for their delicate and creamy omelettes. To achieve this style, use a non-stick skillet and cook the omelette entirely on the stovetop using low to medium heat. Be sure to continuously and gently stir the curds of the eggs with a fork as they form for a soft and custardy texture.

Experiment with fillings, herbs, and spices to create your own unique omelette creations. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or wish to add your personal touch, the omelette is a dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day and is sure to satisfy.