Browsed by
Tag: Brunch

Florentine Ham & Cheese Tarts

Florentine Ham & Cheese Tarts

18 eggs

1/2 C. Flour

2 T. Sugar

1 lb. Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 lb. Cottage cheese — large curd

1/2 C. Butter

1 Onion — minced

12oz. Evaporated milk

10oz. Frozen Spinach — thawed

1 lb. Ham Cubes

1/2 tsp. Celery Seed

1/2 tsp. Dry Mustard

1/2 tsp. Bon appetit seasoning

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

2 T. Flour

 

Sauté together ham, butter, onion, spinach, spices, and 2 tablespoons of flour; set aside. Whisk eggs, sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, and cheeses. Add ham mixture. Ladle into greased muffin cups. Bake for 30 minutes at 325F. Cool completely. Slide knife around each tart to loosen and remove from pans. Reheat on baking sheet at 325F for about 15 minutes. Makes about 30 tarts.

 

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart

Flour for the work surface

1 sheet puff-pastry dough, thawed according to package directions

4 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 3-oz. package goat cheese

 

Heat oven to 375° F. Unfold the sheet of puff-pastry dough on a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, thyme leaves, oil, vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomato mixture to the pastry, overlapping the tomatoes slightly if necessary, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Crumble the goat cheese over the top. Bake until the dough is puffed and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before cutting into pieces.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 ½ oz (100 g) shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms you like), wiped clean and coarsely chopped (about 1½ to 2 cups)

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch black pepper

1 large clove garlic, crushed

¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or ¾ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

1½ tablespoons heavy cream

1½ oz (40 g) Emmental cheese (or any Swiss cheese you like), shredded (about ⅓ cup)

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Toast, for serving (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400F. Add the butter to a medium skillet over medium heat; once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until softened, but not browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Pour the mushrooms into an individual-sized oven-safe gratin dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Make 2 wells and crack the eggs into them. Bake until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked how you like them (I like mine with set whites and runny yolks, which takes about 10 minutes). Sprinkle the parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Blueberry Pie French Toast Muffins

8 eggs

3/4 C. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. salt

8 thick slices of whole grain bread, cut into cubes

1/4 C. blueberries

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 8 C. of a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, allspice and salt. Add the bread cubes and stir, making sure all the cubes are covered in eggy mixture. Let soak for 5 minutes. Fold in the blueberries. Spoon the bread mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the egg is cooked and the muffins are golden brown. Turn out onto a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Tip: This recipe lends itself to any seasonal fruit. To reheat these babies, pop them into the toaster oven with the rack on the lowest level and heat them for 4 to 6 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. If you’re eating on the go, use a healthy smear of jam to avoid a sticky mess.

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

2 slices of bread toasted

1/2 large avocado smashed

1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper

3.5 oz smoked salmon

2 eggs, poached *see notes

Splash of Kikkoman soy sauce optional

1 tsp. thinly sliced scallions

Microgreens optional

 

OR

 

2 slices of bread

1/2 large avocado

1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper

3.5 oz smoked salmon

2 eggs, poached

2 thin slices of tomato

1 tsp. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Microgreens

 

In a small bowl, smash the avocado. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt; mix well and set aside.

Poach your eggs (see notes) and, when they are sitting in the ice bath, toast your bread. Once your bread is toasted, spread the avocado on both slices and add the smoked salmon to each slice. Carefully transfer the poached eggs to their respective toasts. Hit with a splash of Kikkoman soy sauce and some cracked pepper; garnish with scallions and microgreens.  OR  Place slice of tomato on each toast, then hit the toasts with some everything bagel seasoning. Garnish with microgreens.

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

¾ C. unbleached Flour

¼ C. whole-wheat Pastry Flour

1 T. minced fresh Chives

¼ tsp. ground White Pepper

¼ tsp. Salt

2 T. unsalted Butter, melted

2 lg. Eggs

1 lg. Egg Yolk

1 ½ C. Milk

 

Combine both flours, chives, pepper and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade.  Add melted butter, eggs and yolk, pulse twice.  With motor running, slowly add milk.  Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for 5 seconds more.  Pour batter into bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the refrigerator several hours to overnight.   To cook crepes, place 1 T. butter in a nonstick or well-seasoned 6” crepe pan and set over high heat.  When hot, add several T. of batter and quickly tilt to coat pan.  Reduce heat to medium and cook until bottom is nicely browned, about 1 minute.  Turn out onto a tea towel, repeat until all batter is used.

Full Garden Frittata

Full Garden Frittata

Full Garden Frittata

 

4 large eggs

1/3 cup 2% milk

1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 cup chopped baby portobello mushrooms

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano

1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Optional toppings: Halved grape tomatoes, small fresh mozzarella cheese balls and thinly sliced fresh basil

 

Preheat oven to 375°. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic, herbs and remaining salt; cook 1 minute longer. Pour in egg mixture. Bake, uncovered, until eggs are set, 10-15 minutes. Cut into 4 wedges. If desired, serve with toppings.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 227

Fat: 15g

Fiber: 1g

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco 

1 1/3 C. crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (about 6 oz.)

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

3 1/4 C. water

1 C. polenta (coarse yellow cornmeal) or regular cornmeal

1 1-pound bag frozen yellow corn kernels-thawed

1 pound fresh link chorizo sausage-casings removed

1 pound cherry tomatoes (about 3 1/2 C.)

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cheese and cilantro in small bowl. Mix 3 1/4 C. water, polenta, and corn kernels in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and stir to blend well. Bake until water is absorbed and polenta is tender, stirring once, about 25 minutes.  Meanwhile, sauté chorizo in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces with side of wooden spoon, about 6 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes to skillet. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until tomatoes soften, about 6 minutes. Uncover; crush some tomatoes with fork. Simmer until tomatoes release juices and sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Spoon polenta onto plates. Top with chorizo mixture, then cheese mixture.  If you’re not a fan of chorizo, a sweet Italian sausage works well in this recipe with feta cheese.

Sunday Morning Quesadillas with Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Tomatoes

Sunday Morning Quesadillas with Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Tomatoes

1/2 C. peeled pitted finely chopped avocado
½ C. finely chopped Tomato
2 tsp. chopped cilantro
1/8 tsp. salt
2 flour tortillas—8 in
1 1/2 oz. cream cheese softened
2 large slices (about 2 oz.) smoked salmon
2 very thin red onion slices
2 tsp. drained chopped capers

Combine avocado, tomato, cilantro, salt. Mix until well combined. Spread tortillas with cream cheese. Lay 1 slice of salmon on half of each tortilla. Separate onion into rings and spread them over salmon. Sprinkle with capers. Fold over tortillas to form a half moon. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add quesadillas and cook until lightly browned and heated through, 3-4 minutes per side. Top with avocado mix to serve.

Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins

 

1 tsp. Salt

1 C. quick-cooking oats uncooked

1 C. Brown sugar firmly packed

1 C. Egg Beaters Egg Product

1 Tsp. Baking powder

1 C. Original Margarine Stick melted

1 PAM Original Non-Stick Cooking Spray

1 C. All-Purpose Unbleached Flour with Ultragrain

1 tsp. Baking soda

1 C. Non-fat Plain Yogurt

1 Tsp. Vanilla extract

1 C. Fresh Blueberries

1 tsp. Lemon zest

 

Preheat oven to 425F. Spray 12-C. regular muffin pan with cooking spray. Blend together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Stir together yogurt, Fleischmanns, Egg Beaters and vanilla in small bowl. Pour yogurt mixture into center of dry ingredients; stir using rubber spatula until just blended. Do NOT overmix. Fold in blueberries and lemon zest. Fill each prepared muffin C. about 2/3 full. Bake 12-14 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pan. Remove from muffin pans and cool completely on racks

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

8 eggs

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

Pinch red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 T. unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. cherry or grape tomatoes

2 C. finely chopped leafy greens (Swiss chard, collards, mustard or kale)

4 ounces fresh goat cheese, at room temperature

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the eggs, rosemary, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a bowl. Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet. Add the onions and tomatoes, and sauté until the onions are soft and the tomatoes are starting to burst, about 5 minutes. Add the greens, 1/2 tsp. salt and some pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes. Turn down the heat to low and pour in the eggs. Using a rubber spatula, very gently move the eggs around a bit — not scrambling them, just massaging them into the cracks and crevasses of the greens. Once the eggs start to set on the bottom, dollop with the goat cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the frittata is set on top, 5 minutes.

Mushroom Goat Cheese Galette

Mushroom Goat Cheese Galette

Mushroom Goat Cheese Galette

Sour Cream Pastry Dough:

1 1/4 C. all-purpose flour, chilled in freezer for 10-15 minutes

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. (1 stick) frozen unsalted butter, cut into small chunks

1/4 C. sour cream, very cold

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 C. ice water

Mushroom & Goat Cheese Filling:

2 T. unsalted butter

1 1/2 lbs thinly sliced mushrooms (equal amounts of shiitake and cremini)

1/2 large yellow onion, finely julienned

3-4 cloves of garlic, smashed

1/2 C. dry sherry

large sprig of fresh thyme

large sprig of fresh rosemary

salt

pepper

5 ounces Humboldt Fog goat cheese (or another ripened young goat cheese), separated

 

Prepare Dough: Combine salt and flour in bowl. Add chunks of butter and using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal and butter pieces are no bigger than the size of small peas. In another bowl, whisk together the ice water, cold sour cream, and lemon juice. With fingertips or wooden spoon, slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture until large lumps form. Pat all the lumps into a large ball–do not overwork the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (if dough is too soft after an hour, allow to chill for another hour).

 

PREPARE FILLING: Heat very large (more surface area the better) skillet over very high heat. Add butter, followed by mushrooms, spreading into a single layer with a wooden spoon. Continue to saute–the mushrooms will quickly begin to release their moisture–keep cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the sliced onion and smashed garlic and continue to saute until the onions are translucent–and the mushrooms and onion begin to caramelize and the bottom of the pan has formed a nice light brown fond. Remove the pan from heat and deglaze with the dry sherry. Place back on the heat, add the sprigs of thyme and rosemary, and continue to cook over medium high heat until all of the sherry has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and spread out on a baking sheet and allow to cool to room temperature. (Before using, discard the large sprigs of thyme and rosemary and garlic cloves).

 

Assemble Galette: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (F). Remove the dough from the fridge and on a floured work surface, roll out into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Crumble 3 ounces of the goat cheese into a bowl, add the (cooled) mushroom mixture, and stir gently. Spread the mixture into the center of the dough–leaving a 1 1/2 inch border on the sides. Fold and pleat the edges of the dough border over the mushrooms–leaving the center exposed. Bake for 30 minutes–remove from the oven–sprinkle with remaining 2 ounces of goat cheese–and continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to stand for 5 minutes on cooling rack. Transfer to serving plate. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Toast with Prosciutto Scrambled Eggs, Peppers & Pickled Onions

Toast with Prosciutto Scrambled Eggs, Peppers & Pickled Onions

Toast with Prosciutto Scrambled Eggs, Peppers & Pickled Onions

1 red onion

1/2 C. red wine vinegar

1/2 C. white sugar

Pinch of salt

 

Peel the onion. Cut in half and slice into very thin half-moon shapes. Bring the vinegar and sugar to a boil, add the salt and pour over the red onions; set aside for at least 2 hours.

 

3 T. olive oil

2 yellow onions, peeled, sliced thin

2 thyme sprigs

1/4 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

 

In a large saute pan, add the olive oil, onions and thyme sprig, and cook over medium-high heat until just starting to color, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat and cook slowly until caramelized, stirring every few minutes to ensure even browning (add a small amount of water, if needed). Add the sugar and salt and continue until most of the moisture has cooked off and the onions are dark and flavorful.

 

3 T. finely minced Prosciutto

5 eggs

1 T. cream

1 T. butter

1/4 C. caramelized onions, chopped

1 tsp. oregano, minced

Seed bread, sliced thick, grilled as needed

Olive oil as needed

Piquillo peppers, sliced as needed

Micro basil as needed

Pickled Red Onions, as needed

 

In a sauté pan, cook prosciutto over medium heat until crunchy and browned, and set aside.  Combine the eggs and cream in a small bowl and whisk until frothy. When ready to serve, heat butter over medium-high in a small sauté pan. Add eggs and cook, folding eggs occasionally, until slightly cooked, about 2 minutes. Add the caramelized onions, prosciutto and oregano and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and keep warm.   Brush the bread with olive oil, then grill the bread on both sides, top with a little of the scrambled eggs, a few slices of the piquillo peppers, a few pickled red onions and micro basil.

 

Deep-Fried Chive Crêpes with Chevre, Scallions & Prosciutto

Deep-Fried Chive Crêpes with Chevre, Scallions & Prosciutto

Filling:

1/2 lb. fresh chevre (goat cheese)

1/3 C. heavy cream

3 oz prosciutto, minced

4 scallions, trimmed to include 1″ of green, minced

Freshly ground white pepper

2 tsp.  minced fresh chives

 

Crêpes:

3/4 C. unbleached flour

1/4 C. whole-wheat pastry flour

1 T. minced fresh chives

1/4 tsp.  freshly ground white pepper

1/4 tsp.  kosher salt

2 T. unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

1 1/2 C. milk

 

20 chive crêpes (see above), cooked

2 large egg whites, beaten with 2 tsp.  water

1 C. very fine dry bread crumbs

2-4 C. vegetable oil for frying

Fresh edible flowers, herbs and/or watercress for garnish

 

To make crêpes: Combine both flours, chives, white pepper and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add melted butter, eggs and egg yolk; pulse twice. With motor running, slowly add milk. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend for 5 seconds more. Pour batter into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Place butter in a nonstick or well-seasoned 6″ crêpe pan and set over high heat. When hot, add several T. of batter and quickly tilt the pan to coat the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until bottom is nicely browned, about 1 minute. (If you wish, you can lightly brown the other side at this point.) Turn out onto a tea towel; repeat until all batter is used. Add more butter to the pan only as necessary. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine chevre, cream, prosciutto, scallions, garlic, pepper and chives. Set aside. Arrange crêpes, browned sides up, on a large work surface. Place a scant T. of filling in the center of each crepe. Moisten outer edges with some egg white mixture. Fold in sides over filling. Then fold up bottom and fold down top to make a tight package about 2-1/2 to 3 inches square. Place crêpes, seam sides down, on a large platter. Repeat until all packages are made.

Dip each package into egg white mixture, roll in bread crumbs and place on a cake rack to dry. (crêpes can be assembled 1/2 day ahead and kept, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before frying.) Just before serving, pour oil into a wok or deep-fryer to a depth of 1-1/2 to 2 inches. Heat until hot enough to quickly brown a cube of bread. Fry crepe packages, a few at a time, turning until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove and drain well; keep warm. Serve with a garnish of flowers, herbs and watercress.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Swiss Chard Tart

Swiss Chard Tart

2 lb. Swiss chard, washed and spun dry

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Spanish onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped to yield 1/8 C.

3 large eggs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 C. bread crumbs

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring 8 quarts water to a rolling boil and add 2 T. salt. Roughly chop the Swiss chard, discarding the rough stems. Add the Swiss chard to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside. In a 12-inch saucepan, heat 3 T. olive oil over a medium flame until hot but not smoking. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and the parsley. Let cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool. Meanwhile, break the eggs into a small bowl. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add 3 T. of Parmigiano and, using a whisk, mix until the ingredients are well-blended. Add the egg mixture to the cooled Swiss chard and toss to combine. Using the remaining olive oil to lightly grease a shallow 9-inch round or oval baking dish. Dust the bottom of the baking dish with 1/2 C. bread crumbs. Carefully place the Swiss chard and egg mixture into the pan. Dust with the remaining Parmigiano and then the remaining bread crumbs. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 1 hour. Serve hot or room temperature.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Sweet Onion, Gruyere and Bacon Quiche

Sweet Onion, Gruyere and Bacon Quiche

quiche6 slices of bacon

1 medium onion, chopped

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 large eggs

3/4 cup cream

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup grated gruyere cheese

1 pie crust

 

Place oven rack in lower third of oven. Heat oven to 425F. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add bacon and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add cream, cornstarch, pepper, salt and nutmeg, then whisk to combine. Mix cheese into cooled onion-bacon mixture, then spoon the mixture into the pie shell in an even layer. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top. Bake the quiche for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center. Transfer to a rack to cool before slicing.  Enjoy!

Tuscan Frittata Affogata

Tuscan Frittata Affogata

img90l10 eggs
1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 T. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
8 oz. mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup tomato sauce
6 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Preheat an oven to 500°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pecorino romano, salt and pepper. Set aside. In the deep half of a frittata pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 T. of the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking apart the larger pieces, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Wipe out the pan with paper towels. In the same pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 T. of the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until the onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pepper is tender, about 10 minutes more. Add the sausage to the pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook, using a rubber spatula to lift the cooked edges and allow the uncooked eggs to flow underneath, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue cooking until the eggs begin to set, 4 to 6 minutes more. Meanwhile, in the shallow half of the frittata pan over low heat, warm the 1 tsp. olive oil. Place the shallow pan upside down on top of the deep pan and flip the frittata into the shallow pan. Cook, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover the pan and pour the tomato sauce onto the center of the frittata, gently spreading it to the edges. Arrange the mozzarella on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Slide the frittata onto a serving plate, sprinkle with the basil and serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.

Baked Eggs with Fresh Chives

Baked Eggs with Fresh Chives

My Paris Market Cookbook_141For each 3-inch (7½ cm) ramekin:
Butter to coat the inside of the ramekin
1 tablespoon crème fraiche
1 large egg
Generous pinch of grated Gruyère
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh chives to garnish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the inside of each ramekin. Add crème fraiche, then crack one egg into each ramekin, without breaking the yolk. Top with grated Gruyere and a dash of salt and pepper. Place on middle rack in oven (if making several, place on a baking sheet). Bake for 6-8 minutes, until cheese is melted and eggs are set but not cooked through. The yolk should look glassy and remain still when ramekin is lightly shaken. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve in ramekin with toasted baguette

Roasted Asparagus and Prosciutto

Roasted Asparagus and Prosciutto

BX0802H_roasted-asparagus-and-prosciutto-recipe_s4x3_jpg_rend_sni12col_landscape1 pound fresh asparagus (not too thin)
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 large slices prosciutto
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 extra-large eggs
Easy Hollandaise Sauce, recipe follows

Easy Hollandaise Sauce

2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. If the asparagus are thick, peel them halfway up the stalks. Cut off and discard the bottom third of the asparagus. Place the asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 10 minutes, until the stalks are just tender. Meanwhile, place the prosciutto in a single layer on another sheet pan and roast in the same oven for 5 minutes. Melt the butter in a medium (10-inch) saute pan over medium heat and wait until the bubbles almost subside. Crack the eggs into the skillet, keeping them separate, if possible. Sprinkle the eggs generously with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny. Don’t turn them over! Arrange the asparagus on 3 plates. Place 2 slices of prosciutto on top of each pile, drizzle with hollandaise, and place a fried egg on top of the prosciutto. Serve hot.

Easy Hollandaise Sauce: Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the jar of a blender and process on low for 15 seconds. Melt the butter in a small saucepan until it is sizzling hot. Remove the small clear insert in the top of the blender. With the blender on low, slowly add the hot butter to the egg and lemon mixture and blend for 30 seconds, until the sauce is very thick. Use immediately. Yield: makes 1/2 cup.

Tuscan Frittata Affogata

Tuscan Frittata Affogata

129634055411e11eb2b661ae9d15ea0a10 eggs
1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 T. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
8 oz. mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup tomato sauce
6 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 500°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pecorino romano, salt and pepper. Set aside. In the deep half of a frittata pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking apart the larger pieces, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Wipe out the pan with paper towels. In the same pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until the onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pepper is tender, about 10 minutes more. Add the sausage to the pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook, using a rubber spatula to lift the cooked edges and allow the uncooked eggs to flow underneath, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue cooking until the eggs begin to set, 4 to 6 minutes more. Meanwhile, in the shallow half of the frittata pan over low heat, warm the 1 tsp. olive oil. Place the shallow pan upside down on top of the deep pan and flip the frittata into the shallow pan. Cook, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover the pan and pour the tomato sauce onto the center of the frittata, gently spreading it to the edges. Arrange the mozzarella on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Slide the frittata onto a serving plate, sprinkle with the basil and serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.

Caliente Cheese & Egg Brunch Dish

Caliente Cheese & Egg Brunch Dish

8 eggs
1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/3 C. minced green bell peppers
2 T. sliced black olives
2 T. chopped green chiles

Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan. Heat oven to 375°F-190°C. Combine eggs and Tabasco sauce in a mixing bowl. Use high speed on mixer to beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well then stir in cheeses, green pepper, olives and green chiles. Pour into prepared pan and bake 20-25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into 8 pieces.

Provencal Tomato Tart (Tarte aux tomatoes)

Provencal Tomato Tart (Tarte aux tomatoes)

tomato tart

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Defrost 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (preferably all-butter pastry) from a 14–17-oz. box according to package directions. If the package contains 1 sheet, cut the pastry in half; if the package contains 2 sheets, just use 1. Roll out the dough slightly on a floured surface to smooth it out.

Place the pastry sheet on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet and use a paring knife to gently score a 1/4” border around the edge. Using a fork, prick the pastry all over inside the border to release steam while baking.

Spread the bottom of the dough with a thin layer of Dijon mustard, and then cover with a single layer of snugly packed tomato slices, preferably heirloom tomatoes in several colors, that have been sprinkled with sea salt and drained on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh thyme. Top with grated Gruyere cheese. Bake until the crust is golden and the tomatoes have collapsed. It should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes and continue to cook until pastry is golden. Remove the tart to a rack and let it cool for 20 minutes or so before slicing it into wedges.

Variations: Add slivers of kalamata olives over the cheese before baking. Or sprinkle the cooked and cooled tart with torn bits of fresh basil right before serving.

Lilac Scones with Rhubarb Curd

Lilac Scones with Rhubarb Curd

LILAC SCONES

3 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling (or use turbinado, on top)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
12 Tbs. salted butter, well chilled
1 cup full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
1 cup of lilac blossoms

Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Over bowl, cut butter into small bits, dropping them into the flour mixture as you go. Work butter and flour together with fingers, until butter is about pea-sized at its largest. Add your lilac blossoms, removed from the stems (no green part). Give buttermilk a good shake, then pour into the flour-butter mixture, and fold together until you can pull the dough into a rough ball (mix as little as possible). Dust surface with clean flour and roll out to a half inch of thickness. Cut into triangles and place on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with coarse sugar (turbinado is best) and a few more blossoms if you wish, and bake until golden at the edges, around 12-16 minutes. Eat when warm out of the oven.
RHUBARB CURD

3 cups chopped rhubarb
A handful of strawberries for colour and flavour (otherwise, the curd can be quite yellow from the yolks – I also used a few drops of beet juice to add rosiness)
Juice from one small lemon (around 2 tbsp)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

7 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
Pinch of sea salt

Put the rhubarb, juice of half a lemon, sugar and water in a small pot and simmer gently until rhubarb is soft. Blend into a smooth puree.

Whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt in a double boiler until warm. Gradually add the rhubarb puree, stirring vigorously between each addition. Do not allow the mixture to boil or the eggs will curdle (yuck! rhubarb omelette!)

Once the consistency is rich and thick, remove from heat and gradually add butter, stirring until melted. Cool the curd and bottle up in jars. Refrigerate.

Buckwheat Crêpes with Roasted Root Vegetables

Buckwheat Crêpes with Roasted Root Vegetables

In Brittany, crêpes ”galettes”are usually folded into a rough square around your filling of choice. Gruyere and ham are definitely crowd pleasers, especially when an egg is cooked in the center of the dish. I prefer roasted root vegetables, with garlic and caramelized shallots on a bed of wilted kale and Gruyère cheese. Finished with a sunny-side up egg, it’s a cold weather meal that’s hard to beat in terms of color, flavor, and satisfaction.

3/4 C. buckwheat flour
1/4 C. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 C. milk, split
4 tsp. melted unsalted butter, divided
One recipe roasted root vegetables (below)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine eggs, 1 1/2 C. milk, and 2 tsp. melted butter. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the mixture is uniform. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour and up to overnight. Before making the crêpes, whisk in the remaining 1/4 C. milk and have 2 tsp. melted butter standing by. If the batter seems too thick—doesn’t seem “pourable”—add a little bit of water. Heat an 8-inch non-stick sauté pan and brush with the remaining melted butter. When the butter is hot enough to sizzle, add a scant 1/4 C. crêpe batter. Tilt the pan around quickly to spread the batter. When the edges are slightly browned and the center of the crêpe is bubbling (about 3 minutes over high heat), flip the crêpe using your fingertips, tongs, or spatula. Cook for another 10-15 seconds, then slide onto a plate. Repeat until all the batter is used. Note: you can omit the all-purpose flour to make the dish entirely gluten-free. Just mix the batter a little bit longer to stretch the starches within the buckwheat.

Roasted Root Vegetables

4 medium-sized beets, trimmed and rinsed (save the greens)
8 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
2 large garnet sweet potatoes, rinsed and cubed
1/2 C. olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large shallots, sliced into rings
1 bunch purple kale, stripped from stems and chopped
1/2 C. white wine
1 C. shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tsp. butter
6 eggs
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub the beets with oil and season them with salt and pepper. Wrap them, along with the garlic cloves, in foil, and roast for an hour. Toss the sweet potatoes in olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a cookie sheet and roast in the same oven for 35 minutes, turning with a spatula halfway through. Remove the beets from the oven and carefully open the foil. After they’ve cooled to handling temperature, rub them with a cloth to remove their skins (or you can leave on). Chop them into 3/4 inch cubes and set aside. Peel the garlic and set the cloves with the beets. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven, stir once with a spatula and set aside. When the crepes are ready, heat a large sauté pan with 2 tsp. olive oil over high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer on the surface, add the shallots and immediately lower the heat. When the shallots begin to caramelize, after about seven minutes, raise the heat again. Carefully add the kale and the reserved beet greens to the oil. It will want to spatter. Stir once or twice, and deglaze with white wine. Cover the pan, lower the heat once again, and let the greens wilt and the wine cook down, about three minutes. Remove the lid and add the roots and roasted garlic. Toss all together and taste. Add more salt and pepper if you like. Set aside.

On a cookie sheet or in a baking dish, assemble the crêpes: Sprinkle 1/4 C. Gruyère cheese over the bottom of the crêpe. Pile 1/4 C. the vegetable mixture on top of the cheese. Fold in the edges to form a packet. Hold in a 275°F oven until you are ready to plate. In a large sauté pan over medium flame, heat 1 tsp. butter. Crack six eggs into the pan and cook them until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny, about seven minutes (this step can occur while you are assembling the crêpes). Place a filled crêpe on a plate. Top with an egg. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, coarse sea salt, and a sprinkle of chopped thyme.

Monte Cristo Crepes

Monte Cristo Crepes

Monte Cristo Crepes

1 C. milk

1 C. water

4 eggs

2 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 C. butter, melted and slightly cooled

12 slices deli-sliced ham (about 8 oz)

12 slices deli-sliced turkey (about 8 oz)

12 slices Swiss or Muenster cheese (about 4 oz)

1/4 C. raspberry jam

powdered sugar

 

In a blender, combine the milk, water, and eggs. Pulse to combine. Add in the flour and salt and pour the butter on top. Pulse again until all of the ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth. Cover the batter and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. To make the crepes, very lightly butter a large skillet (I use an 8-inch nonstick skillet) and place over medium low heat. Once hot, add about ¼ C. of batter to the skillet and using your wrist, tilt the pan around to spread the batter, forming an even, thin crepe. Let the batter cook for a minute or two, then loosen the sides with a rubber spatula and flip the crepe over. Cook the second side for another minute or two, then remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, only buttering the pan if the batter starts to stick. (I usually only butter it once in the beginning – sometimes I need to again halfway through, but not usually.) Place 1 slice of cheese, 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of turkey on each crepe. If desired, microwave for a few seconds to slightly melt the cheese. Roll the crepes with the filling on the inside. Serve the filled crepes sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with raspberry jam.

Chopped Sirloin on Toast with a Fried Egg and Green Peppercorn Sauce

Chopped Sirloin on Toast with a Fried Egg and Green Peppercorn Sauce

2 T. Canola Oil
1 small Shallot, grated or minced
1 large clove Garlic, grated or minced
4 T. green Peppercorns in Brine, drained
Salt & Pepper
2 T. Flour
1 ½ C. Red Wine
2 sprigs fresh Thyme
2 C. Veal or Beef Stock
½ T. Butter

1 ½ lb. chopped Sirloin
5 lg. Eggs
1 T. fresh chopped Parsley
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Pepper
1 T. Canola Oil
4 1″ thick slices bread from Rustic Loaf
1 T. Butter, melted
¼ C. EVOO
Sea Salt

To make sauce heat oil with shallot and garlic in a large heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat and saute about 1-2 minutes, until shallot is soft and garlic is fragrant, stirring constantly. Add peppercorns and stir another minute. Season with salt and pepper. Add flour and mix well. Add wine and thyme and stir to combine. Bring to simmer, reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes. Add stock, return heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 20-25 minutes. Just before serving, stir in butter.

Combine sirloin, one egg, parsley, salt and pepper in large bowl and mix with hands until combined. For into 4 equally sized patties, shaping to fit your bread slices. Heat oil in a large skillet until almost smoking. Place patties in pan and sear 2 minutes per side for rare, 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove patties to a plate and hold while preparing toast and eggs.

Toast bread, then brush one side with melted butter. Fry eggs in olive oil over high heat – oil should be almost smoking. Break egg into a small bowl, then transfer to skillet. Let it just begin to set around the edges, then you can add the next egg (let them set so they don’t run into each other). Cook them about 90 seconds, until whites are set, edges are turning crispy but yolks are still runny. Remove eggs to a plate, then cook remaining 2 eggs the same way.

Place 1 slice toast on a plate, buttered side up. Place burger on top. Repeat with remaining 3 toast and patties. Pout the peppercorn sauce on and around the beef and toast, reserving about 4 tablespoons. Top each with egg, season with sea salt, then garnish with another tablespoon of peppercorn sauce per plate.

Olive Oil Fried Eggs on Toast with Fresh Mozzarella and Spicy Harissa Sauce

Olive Oil Fried Eggs on Toast with Fresh Mozzarella and Spicy Harissa Sauce

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tsp purchased harissa paste from tube
2 tsp purchased hot pepper relish or paste
1 garlic clove, minced, plus 1 whole garlic clove, peeled
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
4 1-inch-thick slices brioche or egg bread, lightly toasted
4 large eggs
6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, drained, coarsely grated
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves

Whisk 1/2 cup olive oil, harissa paste, hot pepper relish, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in small bowl to blend. Rub toast slices on 1 side with peeled garlic clove, then place 2 toasts on each of 2 plates. Heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in large ovenproof nonstick skillet over moderate heat. Break eggs into skillet; sprinkle lightly with salt. Cook until whites are just beginning to set but yolks are still runny, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over eggs. Cook eggs until cheese melts and whites are fully set, but yolks are still runny. Carefully place 1 egg atop each toast slice. Spoon harissa sauce over eggs. Scatter parsley leaves over and serve.

Croque-Madames

Croque-Madames

Croque-Madames5 T. unsalted butter, divided
2 T. all-purpose flour
1-3/4 C. whole milk
2 T. brandy
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 spring fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 slices brioche, or country-style bread
4 tsp. Dijon mustard
6 ounces Gruyère, or Emmental, grated (1 1/2 C.)
8 ounces ham, sliced, but not too thin
1/2 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1/2 C.)
4 large eggs, at room temperature

Melt 2 T. of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking just until it turns beige, about 20 seconds. Whisk in the milk in a slow, steady stream, and continue whisking until smooth, thickened, and slightly bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the brandy, Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprig, nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Whisk for 30 seconds, turn off the heat, and remove thyme sprig. Set aside, whisking occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Position a rack 4 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Spread four of the bread slices on one side with 1 tsp. Dijon mustard each. Sprinkle some Gruyère over the mustard, followed by 2 slices of ham each, and then the remaining Gruyère. Top with the remaining bread. Melt 1 T. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 of the sandwiches until brown and crisp, over medium-low heat, turning once halfway through the cooking, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with another T. of butter and the remaining 2 sandwiches. Ladle the béchamel sauce over the sandwiches (it will run down the sides), and then sprinkle with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Broil until bubbling and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt the remaining 1 T. butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry them sunny side up until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a large, flat spatula to transfer the sandwiches to serving plates. Place a fried egg on each. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.

Chile Cheese Baby Dutch Babies

Chile Cheese Baby Dutch Babies

Chile Cheese Baby Dutch Babies

4 large eggs

1 C. milk

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 C. flour

1/4 C. diced salted butter

1/3 C. canned diced mild green chiles

1/3 C. diced pepper jack cheese

Salsa

 

Preheat oven to 425° with a rack in center and another beneath it. In a blender, whirl eggs, milk, and salt to break up. Add flour and whirl until smooth. Divide butter among 12 muffin C. (1/3-C. size). Bake on center rack in oven until butter melts and begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour batter into C. and sprinkle with chiles and cheese. Set on center rack and put a rimmed baking sheet beneath to catch any drips. Bake until Dutch babies are very well-browned and puffed, 18 to 20 minutes.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 242

Fat: 15g

Fiber: .7g

Tomato Strata

Tomato Strata

Tomato Strata

12 slices sourdough or regular French bread, cut in 1/2-inch diagonal slices

3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil and drained)

1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups mixed grated Fontina and Gruyère cheeses

4 eggs

2 egg whites

3 cups evaporated skim milk

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray; line the dish with six slices of the bread. Arrange the tomato slices and sun-dried tomatoes over the bread; scatter the basil leaves on top, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle Fontina and Gruyère over all. Lay the remaining bread slices over the cheese and press down.  In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg whites together until they are foamy. Add the milk, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well. Pour this mixture over the bread. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 35O°F. Sprinkle the strata with the Parmesan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffy and golden brown.

 

Scallops with Bacon and Cream on Toast

Scallops with Bacon and Cream on Toast

Scallops with Bacon and Cream on Toast

 

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 pound sea scallops, tough muscle removed

1/2 C. chilled cream or half-and-half

2 T. chopped fresh chives

1/4 tsp. salt

6 slices firm white sandwich bread, toasted,

crusts discarded and halved diagonally

 

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble when cool. Reserve skillet drippings. Heat drippings over high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear scallops, turning once, until cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to platter and keep warm. (We poured some of the drippings out of the skillet at this point.) Add cream, 1 T. chives and salt (we also threw in a handful of tiny frozen peas for color) and boil until slightly thickened, about 1 or 2 minutes. Divide scallops among 4 plates. Pour sauce over scallops and sprinkle with bacon and remaining chives. Serve with toast points. Alternatively put scallops in the cream sauce and stir to coat. Serve over rice or angel-hair pasta.