Tag Archives: baked eggs

Recipe: Caprese Frittata with Jamón Crudo

14 Friday Dec 2012

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Slice of Caprese Frittata with Jamón Crudo

Yep. More eggs, people. I warned you we eat them a lot!

While I’m sure this would make a lovely breakfast or brunch recipe, we’ve only ever eaten it for dinner. And to be honest, that’s usually because I’ve taken stock of what’s nearing the end of its lifespan in the fridge and realized we need to use up some eggs. But it’s hearty enough to make a filling (and quick) dinner, and it’s super tasty.

This is another recipe that lends itself to substitution. Whether you just happen to have red pepper or onion on hand, an overabundance of chives in the garden, or you bought an economy-sized bag of oregano that isn’t going to make the cut as you pack to leave the country (ahem), anything goes. Just do not skip those chunks of mozzarella cheese. DO NOT! Nor should you try to be lazy about it by adding grated mozzarella instead. Buy a block and cut up those chunks, you’ll thank me for it later when you’re savoring the soft gooey deliciousness of a pocket of melted cheese.

Frittata Closeup

CAPRESE FRITTATA WITH JAMÓN CRUDO

10 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup chopped basil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced
4 thin slices jamón crudo, bondiola, or prosciutto, chopped
6 ounces mozzarella, cubed

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, Parmigiano, basil, salt and pepper. In an ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the shallots and cook over low-moderate heat until softened. Stir in the tomato and prosciutto until warm. Add the eggs. Cook without stirring until the eggs are beginning to set on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Poke the mozzarella into the eggs. Bake the frittata until just set, about 20 minutes. Shake the skillet over a burner on high heat until the frittata releases, 10 seconds. Invert the frittata onto a plate and let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.

Recipe: Baked Eggs with Basil Cream Sauce and Cheese

16 Monday Jul 2012

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Fresh eggs, feathers and all.

We go through a lot of eggs in this household. Scrambled, fried, frittata’d, boiled, even microwaved, we eat it all. But one method of preparation I had never tried before was baking them. So when I came across this recipe in my trusty Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, I decided to give it a try.

I love how this cookbook is the gift that keeps on giving. I’ve had it for years, but each time I go through it I notice a recipe that never caught my attention before. This was one of them. It had me at “basil.”

While the original recipe is intended for individual dishes, I’m operating with a limited availability of kitchen supplies. So all four servings went into a small casserole dish, and it turned out quite nicely. Though again, I tell you, eggs just do not photograph well.

Based on the outcome, I’ll definitely be baking eggs again. The preparation is simple, and the eggs can be cooked to order depending on how runny (or not) you prefer your yolk. Something to note is that the egg continues cooking after you remove it from the oven, which I learned as my yolks went from runny to cooked through as they sat on the counter. So next time, I’ll take them out on the earlier side.

I was worried that the “cream” portion of this recipe may be too heavy, but I was pleasantly surprised at how light and flavorful it was with only milk, flour, basil and some butter.

BAKED EGGS WITH BASIL CREAM SAUCE AND CHEESE

3 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

3 Tablespoons snipped fresh basil

1 cup milk

nonstick cooking spray

4 eggs

salt 

pepper

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)

additional snipped fresh basil

For basil sauce, in a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, the 1/4 tsp. of salt and the 1/8 tsp. of pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir one minute more. Remove from heat. Stir in the 3 Tablespoons of fresh basil.

Coat four 8- to 10-ounce round baking dishes or 6-ounce custard cups, OR one small casserole dish, with cooking spray. To assemble, spoon about 2 Tablespoons of basil sauce into each dish (or 8 T. into the one). Gently break an egg into the center of each dish; season with salt and pepper. Spoon remaining sauce over eggs. Bake in a 350° (F) oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand until cheese melts. Garnish with additional snipped basil. Makes 4 servings.