Herbed-Baked Eggs

3/16/2010

teaspoon minced fresh garlic

teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan

6 extra-large eggs

2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided use

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided use

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Toasted French bread or brioche, for serving

Preheat the broiler for 5 minutes and place the oven rack 6 inches below the heat. Combine the garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and parmesan and set aside. Carefully crack 3 eggs into each of 2 small bowls or teacups (you won’t be baking them in these) without breaking the yolks. (It’s important to have all the eggs ready to go before you start cooking.)

Place 2 individual gratin dishes on a baking sheet. Place 1 tablespoon of cream and tablespoon of butter in each dish and place under the broiler for about 3 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Quickly but carefully, pour 3 eggs into each gratin dish and sprinkle evenly with the herb mixture, then sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Place back under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes, until the whites of the eggs are almost cooked. (Rotate the baking sheet once if they aren’t cooking evenly.) The eggs will continue to cook after you take them out of the oven. Allow to set for 60 seconds and serve hot with toasted bread.

Yield: 2 servings

Source: Barefoot In Paris by Ina Garten (Clarkson Potter, 2004)