Back in January, while checking out one of my favorite websites, Yumsugar, I came across this recipe. It had everything I was looking for...the recipe looked quick, it called for ingredients I had on hand and did I mention quick? Not being a morning person breakfasts on weekends tend to happen about noon...and they are mostly cooked by Mr. L. So having something that I could make in a half asleep stupor seemed like a bonus to me.
You can go to Yumsugar to get a detailed recipe, but honestly, I don't think you need one. The concept is simple, the ingredients can change for what you have on hand and if you like your eggs more well done like I do, you can cook it longer to get that hard cooked yolk.
To make these fancy, cook them in individual ramekins...makes a quick brunch idea for quests. I just made mine in a muffin tin. These were so quick and easy to throw together that they make a perfect fast and fairly healthy breakfast. Using sliced turkey would probably make it South Beach friendly too.
BAKED EGGS IN HAM SHELLS
You'll need the following
Sliced deli meat (I used Black Forest Ham)
Eggs
Cheese (I used some pre-shredded Jack I had on hand)
Milk
Salt and Pepper
Optional - Veggies (tomatoes, garlic, green onions etc).
Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Put a couple of pieces of deli meat in the muffin tin (overlap them to make a nest). If you are using some veggies (I added a bit of diced tomato) put a spoonful in the bottom of the tin. Add some cheese and a splash of milk. Crack an egg in the center. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until egg is cooked to your liking. The original recipe said 20 minutes which made the eggs well done in my oven. Since Mr. L likes his eggs runny, I cut the time way down and just eyeballed it until they were to his preference.
Note: I used very good sliced ham from my local deli for the above photo. I've also used Oscar Meyer prepackaged ham slices in a pinch. Both versions worked for me.
Note: Depending on the size of your muffin tins, the size of your eggs, and if you add veggies, the entire mixture may not fit. I had to adjust things a bit after I cracked in the first egg and had it running over.
Note: I also spray my muffin tin with a light spray of veggie oil so the nests come out easy and if any egg runs over the top it doesn't stick to the tin.
How yummy this looks...perfect for Father's Day tomorrow.
Posted by: noble pig | June 14, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Noble-Did I mention easy? I'm thinking of doing a brunch with these in Ramekins, with maybe some diced tomatoes on top or a little paprika to brighten the look up.
Posted by: Mrs. L | June 14, 2008 at 01:10 PM
what a fun idea! fancy-shmancy, yet totally doable AND delicious--i believe you've got a winner here! :)
Posted by: grace | June 15, 2008 at 01:46 AM
That looks really good.
Posted by: Jan | June 15, 2008 at 04:05 AM
Looks almost too pretty to eat! I love that it is easily adaptable regarding veggies inside. Can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Louise | June 15, 2008 at 11:04 AM
That looks rather tasty! I might have to make this next weekend.
Posted by: Ann | June 15, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I love YumSugar too.
My dad loves baked eggs in ham.
Posted by: peabody | June 15, 2008 at 08:47 PM
i was planning on using these for the ornament brunch in december. maybe with a little hollandaise sauce drizzled over them. YUM!
Posted by: barbie2be | June 16, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Barbie-What a great idea to add some hollandaise!
Posted by: Mrs. L | June 17, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Wow... what a great idea! These look so cute and easy... perfect for Easter brunch I think! Got to remember them for next year...
Posted by: emiglia | June 18, 2008 at 01:13 AM
oh my GOD i have to make these for the kid!
Posted by: NotSoccer Mom | June 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Even though I'm a morning person, sometimes a recipe that can be made while sort of half asleep is just the thing! This looks yummy!
Posted by: Elle | June 20, 2008 at 10:28 PM