A kind reader requested the recipe for Egg and Pepper Sandwiches and suddenly my childhood came rushing back. The Italian side of the family has inspired this recipe for a sandwich we enjoyed at many a breakfast and dinner when I was growing up. Eggs are so versatile and are just the palette for a flavoring portion of bell pepper, onion, sausage or ham. Enjoying an egg and pepper sandwich can be a flair of flavor to brighten your day.

Basic Egg and Pepper Sandwich

1 tsp Margarine
1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 tsp Parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs, beaten
2 slices, bread (whole wheat works)
Salt and pepper to taste

In a skillet, heat margarine over medium heat until just bubbling; add bell pepper and onion. Saute stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender-crisp, 2 minutes. Add eggs and cheese and cook, stirring frequently until eggs are set, 3 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Then, place egg filling on bread and top your sandwich.

You will notice that there are no condiments mentioned. By all means, spread your favorite on either inside of the bread. A little mayonnaise, aioli, sour cream, crème fraiche or a dash of mustard would stand well with these ingredients. Also try just a hint of your favorite fresh herb - a chiffonade of basil, chive, or dill will brighten the entire sandwich and give it a whole new twist.

For colorful variation, substitute 1/4 cup diced tomato for the bell pepper or simply use a little of several colors of bell pepper (red, orange, yellow, purple, etc.).

For the onion, try using white onion, red onion, scallions, chives or minced shallots.

For some zing, sprinkle egg mixture with a dash of Tabasco or add in a few shreds of fresh jalapeno pepper.

Deepen the meal by adding ham or cooked Italian sausage: use 1/4 cup julienne of ham or Italian sausage and 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Saute ham or sausage with the vegetables. Add the cheese to the eggs, cook until eggs are set and cheese is melted.

While not getting into the classic argument regarding what is a Philly cheese steak sandwich and what is not - try slicing leftover beef very thinly. Warm the beef in a skillet. As the beef is just ready - toss in one or two rings of your favorite onion and let cook for 2 minutes. Use this to top your egg filling then add one thin slice of provolone. Top your sandwich and by the time you get to take a bite, the cheese will have melted enough to remind you of that other sandwich. Enjoy!