Black Forest Ham, Egg & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
STARBUCKS $2.95
390 calories; 17 g fat; 960 mg sodium
Starbucks entered the lucrative breakfast sandwich trade last week with its line of five warm breakfast sandwiches–including eggs Florentine with spinach and a reduced-fat turkey bacon, cholesterol-free egg and reduced fat white Cheddar sandwich. The sandwiches are made off-site and toasted in-store.
First thought: Slices of Black Forest ham are folded over an egg patty, covered with melted Cheddar cheese then layered between two warm and crisp English muffins. Larger than an Egg McMuffin, and subtler flavors than similar sandwiches at McDonald’s. Great, full flavor on the ham. Nice texture contrast.
On second thought: Some would argue that subtler means bland, and I might see their point. Barely.
McGrade: A-
Egg, Ham & Cheese Croissant
WHITE HEN $1.99
320 calories; 16 g fat; 860 mg sodium
White Hen’s line of Pantry Select breakfast sandwiches, including sausage and bacon varieties, was introduced in January 2005 and is made in-store, on-the-spot. They also come packaged for reheating later. We did just that, popping the croissant in the microwave for 45 seconds, like the directions say.
First thought: The croissant has a decent buttery flavor. Just-right portion, so you don’t feel like you need to skip lunch.
On second thought: A thin disk of ham, with a thin disk of egg, an imperceptible layer of cheese and two croissants that don’t retain the shape of croissants. It gets soggy after the microwave treatment and might fare better reheated in a toaster oven.
McGrade: C
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kpang@tribune.com
