Watch out, Halloween! This season has another holiday to get eggcited about. Obligatory egg pun aside, World Egg Day has grown into a major event raising egg awareness across the globe. People celebrate the holiday from Argentina to Zambia, and with health benefits and culinary options almost too long to list, there are plenty of reasons to pay tribute to nature’s finest food Friday, Oct. 9th.

When it comes to healthy eating, the egg may be nutrition’s pound for pound champion. For about 75 calories, a single egg contains 12% of the Daily Value of protein and 13 essential vitamins and minerals. The high protein content in eggs provides lasting energy for maintaining a healthy weight and building muscles in the gym. Additionally, eggs are great for college students because they come pre-packaged with all the necessary amino acids and are one of the best ways to get the most protein for the least money and have endless culinary uses. For everyone concerned about staying trim, most of the fat in eggs is the ‘good’ unsaturated variety, and eggs contain exactly zero trans-fats. Finally, everyone mired in midterms might want to crack a shell, since eggs contain Choline, a chemical that is believed to boost brain function.

Whether eating healthy is your focus or not, eggs are still one of the most diverse options out there. What other food can you get that comes scrambled, fried, poached, boiled, or baked? Most people think of eggs as a breakfast food, but eggs can be enjoyed all-day and even for dessert. In soufflés, custards, and cakes, the incredible, edible egg defies even its most resolute critics. Besides, how many of your other every day food products can you mix with booze during the winter holidays? Egg possibilities are limited only by time, imagination, and skill in the kitchen.

For all the brave egg-aficionados celebrating World Egg Day, here is a recipe to hold you over:

Mini Wonton Quiches

Ingredients

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 4 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp. finely chopped ham (1 oz.)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped green onion
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped red bell pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 24 mini muffin cups (1-3/4 x 3/4-inch) with cooking spray. Gently Press 1 wonton wrapper into each cup, allowing ends to extend above edges of cup.

Beat eggs and flour in medium bowl until blended. Add ham, green onion and bell pepper; mix. Spoon about 1/2 Tbsp. egg mixture into each wonton-lined muffin cup.

Bake in center of 350°F oven until filling is set, 12 to 15 minutes.

Serve with sweet and sour sauce and hot mustard.

For more information, go to http://www.thinkegg.com/worldeggday.asp