BAKED EGGS AND MUSHROOMS IN HAM CRISPS

Baked Eggs and Mushrooms in Ham Crisps image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 lb mushrooms, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
12 slices Black Forest or Virginia ham (without holes; 10 oz)
12 large eggs
Garnish: fresh tarragon leaves
Accompaniment: buttered brioche or challah toast
Special Equipment
a muffin tin with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prepare mushrooms:
Cook mushrooms and shallot in butter with salt and pepper in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring, until mushrooms are tender and liquid they give off is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crème fraîche and tarragon.
Assemble and bake:
Fit 1 slice of ham into each of 12 lightly oiled muffin cups (ends will stick up and hang over edges of cups). Divide mushrooms among cups and crack 1 egg into each. Bake in middle of oven until whites are cooked but yolks are still runny, about 15 minutes. Season eggs with salt and pepper and remove (with ham) from muffin cups carefully, using 2 spoons or small spatulas.