Crème Caramel

Topped with a soft layer of caramel, these individual custard desserts aren’t too sweet—a bit of sour cream in the custard provides a hint of tanginess that marries well with the dark caramel notes. They’re easier to unmold while cold, so invert them 30 minutes before serving and then let them come to room temperature.

• 1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk
• 1-1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 1/8 tsp. table salt
• 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 Tbs. brandy, rum, or bourbon

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large kettle of water to a boil.

Have ready eight 6-oz. oven-safe ramekins and a heatproof 2-cup measuring cup. Put 1 cup of the sugar in a heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan and stir in 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is melted, and bring to a boil, about 2 minutes. Brush the side of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to wash away any sugar crystals and continue to cook, without stirring, until the edges of the syrup begin to color, 3 to 5 minutes more. Gently swirl the pan to encourage even caramelization, and cook until the syrup turns dark amber, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Immediately pour the caramel into the measuring cup, then quickly distribute the hot caramel among the ramekins, swirling each ramekin to coat the bottom. Set aside.

Combine the milk and heavy cream in a 3-quart heavy-duty saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds from the bean into the pan and add the bean. Bring just to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, the remaining 1/3 cup sugar, and the salt until smooth. Whisk in the sour cream and brandy. Remove the vanilla bean (if used) from the cream mixture and gradually whisk the cream mixture into the egg mixture. If using vanilla extract, stir it in. Skim off any foam.

Stir the custard if using a vanilla bean and pour or ladle it into the ramekins. Set the ramekins in a large roasting pan. Carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake just until the centers of the custards wobble slightly when jiggled, 35 to 40 minutes.

Carefully transfer the ramekins to a rack to cool to room temperature (silicone-tipped tongs work well for this), about 30 minutes. Chill completely in the refrigerator, at least 4 hours (cover when cold).

About 30 minutes before serving, unmold the custards by placing the bottom of a ramekin in a small bowl of very hot water for 30 seconds to soften the caramel. Run a small knife around the edge of the custard to loosen. Put a small serving plate over the ramekin and invert. Holding the plate and ramekin together, shake firmly up and down, if necessary, to release the custard. Remove the ramekin (some caramel will stay in the ramekin). Repeat with the rest of the ramekins and let the custards stand at room temperature until ready to serve.

Fresh Salmon Croque Madame

A classic Croque Madame is a grilled cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top. In this version, the soft yolk becomes a delicious sauce for an open-faced sandwich of grilled salmon on a bed of Swiss chard.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small bunch Swiss chard or other leafy green, washed, dried
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2-inch-thick slices country hearth bread
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 2 Tbs. cream cheese
• 1 Tbs. capers, drained and rinsed
• Two 4-oz. salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted and soft, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool slightly.

Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Brush both sides of each slice of bread with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Place on the press, pull the top down, and cook until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Rub one side of each toasted slice with the garlic clove. Spread 1 Tbs. of cream cheese on each slice. Sprinkle with the capers.

Brush the salmon on both sides with the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on the press, pull the top down, and cook until seared and cooked to your desired degree of doneness, at least 3 minutes.

While the salmon is cooking, heat the butter in a medium skillet. Carefully crack the eggs into the skillet, taking care not to break the yolks. Sprinkle 1 tsp. water onto each egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-high heat until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft, 2 to 3 minutes.

Arrange the cooked greens on top of the cream cheese, place a salmon fillet on top of each bed of greens, and slide a fried egg on top of each piece of salmon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Artichoke Quiche

The high-sided, free-form crust makes this spring quiche an especially elegant addition to brunch. If you can’t find hot-smoked salmon, cold-smoked will also be scrumptious, although it will lose some of its silky texture once it’s baked.

For the crust:

• 9 oz. (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 8 oz. (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4-6 T bs. ice water

For the filling:

• 1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
• 24 frozen artichoke heart quarters, thawed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 T bs. roughly chopped fresh dill
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch nutmeg
• 6 oz. hot-smoked salmon, skin removed and roughly broken into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
• 4 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)

Make the crust:

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, and salt on low speed. Add the butter and mix until the largest pieces are the size of peas. With the mixer still on low, add the ice water 1 Tbs. at a time until the dough just begins to come together— you may not need all the water. Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic and shape it into a disk. Wrap in the plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 15-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan and press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, pressing any pleats flat against the sides. With scissors, unevenly snip any dough that overhangs the rim, to make a jagged edge. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Line the frozen crust with two overlapping sheets of parchment and fill two-thirds of the way with dried beans. Bake until the sides are set, about 25 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment and bake until the crust just begins to brown lightly, another 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack. Meanwhile, raise the oven temperature to 400°F.

Make the filling:

Melt the butter in a 10-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and turning translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts and cook until softened and slightly browned, another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Beat the eggs in a medium bowl with the cream, milk, 1 tsp. of the dill, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and the nutmeg.

Put the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour about half of the egg mixture into the crust. Bake in the oven until the filling is partially set (it will still be slightly runny), about 20 minutes.

Scatter half of the onion and artichoke mixture over the partially set egg mixture. Distribute half of the salmon and goat cheese on top. Pour on the remaining egg mixture and then scatter the remaining onions, artichokes, salmon, and goat cheese over the egg. Sprinkle the remaining dill over the top.

Bake until the center is just set (use a paring knife to peek), another 40 to 50 minutes. Check about halfway through baking; if the crust seems to be browning too fast, shield it with strips of foil. Cool slightly on a wire rack.

To unmold, remove the springform ring and loosen the quiche from the pan’s bottom by running a thin-bladed knife between the two. Slide the quiche off its base onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut in wedges.

Smoked Salmon and Dill Quiche

Like a cream-cheese-and-lox bagel in quiche form, this is the ultimate brunch centerpiece.

For the crust

• 4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk

For the filling

• 8 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3/4 cup diced smoked salmon (about 4 oz.)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, dill, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the cream cheese, salmon, and onion over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.

Baked Eggs with Chives and Cream

These eggs are surprisingly easy: Just four ingredients, and they’re ready in about 10 minutes.

• 2 tsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• 2 Tbs. heavy cream

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Butter 2 oven-safe 6-inch gratin dishes with 1 tsp. butter each.


Crack 2 eggs into each gratin dish. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sprinkle with the chives. Drizzle 1 Tbs. cream in each dish, starting over the yolks and working around the dish. Bake until the eggs are bubbly and browned on the edges but not quite set in the middle, 5 minutes. (For firmer eggs, bake an additional 1 minute .)


Heat the broiler on high. Broil the eggs, still on the center rack of the oven, until the center is just set, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven immediately—the eggs will continue to set.

Cheese Blintzes with Macerated Strawberries

The light, eggy blintz is as much a part of traditional Jewish cooking as the crêpe is to the French. For this rendition, fresh strawberries steeped in orange juice are served over the cheese-filled crêpes, but you could also top with blueberries or caramelized apple slices.

For the crêpes

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 Tbs. melted butter
• 1/4 tsp. salt

For the macerated strawberries

• 1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tsp. fresh orange juice
• 1 Tbs. sugar

For the farmer cheese filling

• 1 large egg
• 1 lb. farmer cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbs. unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

For cooking and assembly

• 2 Tbs. butter, more for the pan

Make the batter

Put the flour, eggs, milk, butter, and salt in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth, pausing once or twice to scrape down the sides of the blender with a rubber spatula, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.

Macerate the strawberries

In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, orange juice, and sugar, and stir gently to mix. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

Make the cheese filling

In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg with a whisk. Add the cheese and whisk to combine. Add the sugar, flour, and lemon zest and whisk to combine.

Cook the crêpes

Heat a crêpe pan with an 8-inch base or a 10-inch nonstick frying pan with an 8-inch base over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle. Using a folded paper towel, grease the pan with about 1 tsp. butter. The butter should sizzle upon contact but not instantly turn brown. If it does, reduce the heat as necessary.

Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of the pan while simultaneously lifting the pan from the heat and tilting and turning it in all directions so the batter spreads evenly across the bottom in a thin circle. If the crêpe has any holes in it, quickly add a few drops of batter to fill them in.

Cook until the edges begin to dry and lift from the sides of the pan and the bottom is nicely browned (lift up an edge with a small silicone spatula or butter knife), about 1 minute. Use the spatula and your fingers to flip the crêpe over. Cook until the second side is browned, about 15 seconds more.

Slide the crêpe from the pan onto a large plate or cooling rack. Repeat
with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat and spreading more butter
in the pan every two or three crêpes, or whenever the pan begins to looka bit dry. You can stack the crêpes on the plate as they’re done; they
won’t stick. The crêpes will soften as they cool. (Your first crêpes maynot turn out perfectly but will still be delicious!)

Assemble the crêpes

Choose the 12 best-looking crêpes (save any remaining for another use). Spoon a heaping Tbs. of the filling into the center of each crêpe. Fold one long edge in over the filling, followed by the two short edges, and finally, the second long edge (like a burrito). Arrange the blintzes seam side down on a large plate or baking sheet. (The blintzes can be prepared several hours ahead up to this point. Keep refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap, until ready to heat and serve.)

Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat. Arrange half of the blintzes in the pan seam side up in a single layer and cook until light brown on the bottom, 2 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until light brown on the second side, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray. Repeat with the remaining 2 Tbs. butter and blintzes. To serve, arrange two blintzes on each of six plates and top with the strawberries.

Mexican Omelet

Be sure to prepare the filling before you start cooking the omelet.

For the filling:

• 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 thick slice bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• Pinch red chile flakes, crushed
• 1/2 small onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 2 pinches dried oregano
• Pinch ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Generous 1/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 Tbs. grated Cheddar

For the omelet:

• 2 large or extra-large eggs
• 1 Tbs. water
• 2 pinches kosher salt
• 4 grinds freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter

For the garnish:

• 1 Tbs. sour cream
• 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 tsp. prepared salsa
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

For the filling:

Put the olive oil and bacon in a heavy skillet over medium heat and cook until the bacon is browned but not crisp, about 2 min. Stir in the chile flakes, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and a good pinch of salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the onion is tender and golden, about 10 min. Stir in-the beans and another pinch of salt, cover, and simmer just to heat through. You should have about 1/2 cup filling. Adjust the seasonings and set aside. Proceed with the omelet preparation.

For the omelet:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using) until the yolks and whites are well combined but not foamy. In an 8-inch heavy-duty nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and then add-the butter. Swirl to coat the pan.

When the butter melts, pour the eggs into the pan. With a heatproof spatula, scramble the eggs using small, circular scribbling motions until soft curds start to form, 30 to 50 seconds.

As the mixture firms, spread it over the bottom of the pan; swipe the sides as needed. Stop working the curds to let the omelet begin to firm and let it sit about 30 seconds. (If you like your eggs well done, let it go a bit longer.)

Scatter the cheese evenly, leaving a scant margin around the omelet’s edge. Add the other filling ingredients and use your spatula to gently press them into the curds to incorporate the filling into the omelet.

With the spatula, lift one-third of the omelet and fold it over the center like a business letter.

Tilt the pan toward the plate to slide the omelet so one-third of it hangs over the pan’s edge. Invert the pan, using the spatula to help support the omelet so that it flips neatly over itself as it slides out of the pan.

For the garnish:

Garnish with the sour cream, avocado, salsa, and chopped cilantro.

Sausage and Egg Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Tortillas stuffed with spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potatoes are topped off with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese for a breakfast that will keep you warm all day. The heat level on this dish is adjustable—if you prefer a milder dish, use only half a jalapeño in the sauce and leave out the green chiles.

For the tomatillo sauce

• 2 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed in warm water
• 1 medium jalapeño, stemmed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the enchiladas

• 2 to 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the baking dish
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3/4 lb. fresh, raw chorizo, casings removed and meat crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas
• 4 oz. Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

The night before

Make the sauce
Put the tomatillos and the jalapeño in a 4-quart saucepan and add water to within 1 inch of the top. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the tomatillos occasionally, until they’re khakigreen all over and very tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos to a blender. Halve the jalapeño, and add one half to the blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, cumin, and 2 tsp. salt and purée (you should still see the tomatillo seeds). Taste and blend in the other jalapeño half if you prefer a spicier sauce. Add the cream and pulse to blend. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Oil a 9x13–inch baking dish and set aside.

Add the potato and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile,cook the chorizo in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-highheat, breaking up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Use aslotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a large bowl. Discard all but 1Tbs. fat from the pan. (If there’s less than 1 Tbs. of fat, add a bit
of the vegetable oil.)

Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the
bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened,
about 5 minutes. Stir in the potato and then cook undisturbed until
browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mixture to the chorizo.
Add the green chiles, if using.

Whisk the eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and
several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in the
skillet over low heat and cook until the foam subsides. Add the eggs andcook without stirring until they begin to set on the bottom, about 20
seconds. Draw a wooden spoon across the pan a few times to form large
curds. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are
barely set and still quite moist, 1 to 2 minutes—do not cook through.
Add the eggs to the chorizo mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the tomatillo sauce into the eggchorizo mixture. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate.

Brushboth sides of one tortilla with oil and put on a microwaveable plate.
Oil the remaining tortillas on one side and stack, oiled side up. Cover
with a paper towel and microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, 1to 1-1/2 minutes. Arrange about 1/3 cup of the egg mixture in a line
down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place each filled
tortilla seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish withplastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the enchiladas, pour the remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over them, and top with the cheese. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve with the sour cream, if using.

Summer Vegetable Strata

Be sure to brown the squash for the best flavor.

• About a dozen 1/2-inch-thick slices French or Italian bread (enough to cover the bottom of your pan), day-old or lightly toasted
• 1 clove garlic, lightly crushed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups milk or a mixture of milk and cream
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, divided
• Pinch dried red pepper flakes
• 1 loosely packed cup basil leaves, chopped
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium summer squash or zucchini, or 1 of each
• 2 ripe tomatoes

Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter an 8x8-inch baking dish. Rub the top of each slice of bread with the garlic clove. Lay the slices in the dish in one layer, cutting them into pieces where necessary. Season with salt and pepper.

Measure the milk in a 1-qt. measure, preferably one with a spout. (Or measure it and transfer it to a bowl.) Add the eggs, half of the cheese, the red pepper flakes, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously to beat the eggs and to combine. Add the basil and stir gently. Set aside.

In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium high. Add the onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and colors lightly, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the squash, cut them lengthwise into quarters and, holding the quarters together, slice them into pieces about 1/3 inch thick. Stir the squash into the onion, spread in a single layer, and let sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to encourage browning; check before you turn them.

Meanwhile, halve and seed the tomatoes and chop the flesh coarsely. When the squash is lightly browned on both sides and crisp-tender, add the tomatoes, stir to toss, and take the vegetables off the heat.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to the dish, spreading them evenly over the bread. Give the milk and egg mixture a stir and gently pour it all into the dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake until the milk and egg mixture sets, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes, slice into squares with the edge of a spatula, and use the spatula to lift out the pieces.

Lobster and Mushroom Quiche

This luxurious quiche filling combines chunks of fresh lobster meat, sautéed mushrooms, and thinly sliced chives.

For the crust

• 4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk

For the filling

• 8 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup cooked, diced lobster meat
• 1 cup sliced, sauteed mushrooms

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, chives, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the lobster and mushrooms over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.

Rice and Beans with Fried Eggs

Served with soft corn tortillas, this traditional Costa Rican dish works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Salsa Lizano is a Costa Rican condiment that’s similar to Worcestershire sauce but thicker and sweeter—you can substitute Worcestershire for it, but the flavor will be more assertive.

• 3/4 cup long-grain white rice
• Kosher salt
• 2 Tbs. canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, cut into small dice
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small dice
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 cup canned tomato sauce
• 1 (15-1/2-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 Tbs. Salsa Lizano; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 8 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

Put the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 1-1/2 cups of water in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice has absorbed the water and is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside with the lid on.


Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce and stir for 1 minute. Add the beans and 1 cup of water and simmer until the liquid reduces to the level of the beans, about 4 minutes.


Add the rice to the beans and mix well. Stir in the Salsa Lizano and season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.


Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. of oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, swirling the pan to coat evenly. Gently crack the eggs into the pan. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook until the yolks’ edges have just begun to set, 2 to 3 minutes. (The eggs should cook gently, so lower the heat if needed.) Separate the eggs with the edge of a spatula.


To serve, put a heaping spoonful of the rice and beans on a plate and slide 2 eggs on top. Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat and Cayenne

Here, the classic deviled egg filling is made even tastier with sweet crab, sherry, Worcestershire sauce and a hit of cayenne. Set these kicked-up nibbles on a platter at your next party and watch them disappear. Luckily for your guests, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.  

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dry sherry
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Big pinch cayenne
• 2 oz. crabmeat picked over and shredded (scant 1/4 cup)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Paprika for sprinkling (optional)

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne and continue to mash until smooth. Gently stir in the crabmeat and season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little paprika, if you wish.

Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche

Tangy feta cheese, briny olives and sun-dried tomatoes give a Greek flavor profile to the iconic French quiche.

For the crust

• 4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk

For the filling

• 8 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup pitted, slivered black olives
• 1/4 cup drained and chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of  butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, rosemary, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.

Sausage and Egg Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Tortillas stuffed with spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potatoes are topped off with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese for a breakfast that will keep you warm all day. The heat level on this dish is adjustable—if you prefer a milder dish, use only half a jalapeño in the sauce and leave out the green chiles.

For the tomatillo sauce

• 2 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed in warm water
• 1 medium jalapeño, stemmed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the enchiladas

• 2 to 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the baking dish
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3/4 lb. fresh, raw chorizo, casings removed and meat crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas
• 4 oz. Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

The night before

Make the sauce
Put the tomatillos and the jalapeño in a 4-quart saucepan and add water to within 1 inch of the top. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the tomatillos occasionally, until they’re khakigreen all over and very tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos to a blender. Halve the jalapeño, and add one half to the blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, cumin, and 2 tsp. salt and purée (you should still see the tomatillo seeds). Taste and blend in the other jalapeño half if you prefer a spicier sauce. Add the cream and pulse to blend. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Oil a 9x13–inch baking dish and set aside.

Add the potato and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile,cook the chorizo in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-highheat, breaking up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Use aslotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a large bowl. Discard all but 1Tbs. fat from the pan. (If there’s less than 1 Tbs. of fat, add a bit
of the vegetable oil.)

Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the
bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened,
about 5 minutes. Stir in the potato and then cook undisturbed until
browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mixture to the chorizo.
Add the green chiles, if using.

Whisk the eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and
several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in the
skillet over low heat and cook until the foam subsides. Add the eggs andcook without stirring until they begin to set on the bottom, about 20
seconds. Draw a wooden spoon across the pan a few times to form large
curds. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are
barely set and still quite moist, 1 to 2 minutes—do not cook through.
Add the eggs to the chorizo mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the tomatillo sauce into the eggchorizo mixture. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate.

Brushboth sides of one tortilla with oil and put on a microwaveable plate.
Oil the remaining tortillas on one side and stack, oiled side up. Cover
with a paper towel and microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, 1to 1-1/2 minutes. Arrange about 1/3 cup of the egg mixture in a line
down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place each filled
tortilla seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish withplastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the enchiladas, pour the remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over them, and top with the cheese. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve with the sour cream, if using.

Spinach Salad with Fried Egg and Bacon

Spinach salad often features a hard-boiled egg, but in this version, the egg is fried and its yolk mixes with the greens to delicious effect.

• 2 heaping cups torn bread (about 3/4-inch pieces) from a day-old rustic white loaf
• 1/4 cup plus 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 small clove garlic, mashed to a paste with a pinch of kosher salt
• 1-1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar; more as needed
• 1-1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 6 slices bacon
• 8 oz. baby spinach (about 8 cups), washed well and dried
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large eggs

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Put the bread on a rimmed baking sheet and toss lightly with 2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Spread in an even layer and season lightly with salt. Bake until crisp and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Taste the vinaigrette with a leaf of spinach and season to taste with salt and vinegar if needed. Set aside.

Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Cook the bacon on both sides until brown and crisp, about 7 minutes. Leave the skillet on the stovetop and turn off the heat. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pan.

Put the spinach and croutons in a large bowl. Gently toss the salad with just enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the greens and season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide the salad among four serving plates.

Heat the bacon fat in the skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and fry sunny-side up or over-easy, 1 to 2 minutes total. Top each salad with an egg and season with salt and pepper. Tear each slice of bacon into 3 or 4 pieces and tuck them into the salads. Serve immediately and pass any remaining vinaigrette at the table.

Bacon and Smoked Paprika Deviled Eggs

This bacon-and-egg combination is a sophisticated take on a classic appetizer. The bacon adds flavor as well as texture to the filling, and you can dial the hot sauce up or down for just the right amount of heat. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. 

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika, for garnish

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, parsley, and hot pepper sauce and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little smoked paprika.

Brown-Butter Crêpes

These crêpes are buttery but mild, an ideal blank canvas, ready to be topped or filled with savory or sweet ingredients. The addition of brown butter gives them a flavor richer than that of the average crêpe.Video:Julissa Roberts demonstrates Martha Holmberg's method for making supple, buttery crêpes.

• 3-1/2 oz. (7 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more softened for the pan
• 1-3/4 cups whole milk; more as needed
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour

Tip:

As with pancakes, the first crêpe you make is usually a flop, so count
on sacrificing it as you experiment with the heat of the burner and the
amount of butter in the pan.

In a 1- to 2-quart saucepan, cook the butter over medium heat, swirling it every few seconds, until melted and the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn golden-brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Immediately pour the brown butter into a small bowl and let cool almost to room temperature.

Combine the milk, eggs, and salt in a blender. Blend for a few seconds to combine. Add the flour and blend until very smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the brown butter and blend for another 10 seconds.

Pour the batter into a large bowl and let rest for at least 5 minutes and up to 24 hours. (If resting for more than 30 minutes, cover and refrigerate.)

When ready to cook the crêpes, check the batter; it should be as thick as heavy cream, not as thick as pancake batter. If it feels too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup more milk.

Heat a crêpe pan with an 8-inch base or a 10-inch nonstick skillet with an 8-inch base over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle. Using a folded paper towel, grease the pan with about 1/4 tsp. butter. The butter should sizzle upon contact but not instantly turn brown. If it does, reduce the heat as necessary.

Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of the pan while simultaneously lifting the pan from the heat and tilting and turning it in all directions so the batter spreads evenly across the bottom in a thin circle. If the crêpe has any holes in it, quickly add a few drops of batter to fill them in.

Cook until the edges begin to dry and lift from the sides of the pan and the bottom is nicely browned (lift up an edge with a small silicone spatula or your fingers to check), about 1 minute. Use the spatula or your fingers to flip the crêpe over. Cook until the second side is browned, about 20 seconds more.

Slide the crêpe from the pan onto a large plate or cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat and spreading more butter in the pan every two or three crêpes, or whenever the pan begins to look a bit dry. You can stack the crêpes on the plate as they’re done; they won’t stick. The crêpes will soften as they cool. 

Bacon and Smoked Paprika Deviled Eggs

This bacon-and-egg combination is a sophisticated take on a classic appetizer. The bacon adds flavor as well as texture to the filling, and you can dial the hot sauce up or down for just the right amount of heat. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. 

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika, for garnish

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, parsley, and hot pepper sauce and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little smoked paprika.

Garlic & Herb Fried Eggs on Toasts with Prosciutto Crisps

• 3 3/4-inch-thick slices rustic bread, such as sourdough boule or peasant bread
• 2 thin slices prosciutto, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
• 3 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp. minced fresh oregano
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Parmigiano-Reggiano, for shaving

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the broiler to high. Lay the bread slices and prosciutto strips on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and brush the bread on both sides with 2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Broil until the bread is golden brown on both sides and the prosciutto is lightly crisp, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Put the prosciutto strips in a small bowl (they’ll continue to crisp as they cool), and set the bread slices on three plates.

Put the oregano in a small bowl. Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s sizzling and fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Scrape the garlic and oil into the bowl of oregano, stir to combine, and set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tsp. oil to the pan, swirling to evenly coat. Add the eggs and distribute the garlic-herb mixture evenly on top. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook until the yolks’ edges have just begun to set, 2 to 3 minutes. (The eggs should cook gently, so lower the heat if needed.) Separate the eggs with the edge of the spatula, if necessary, and slide each egg onto a slice of the bread. Drizzle any remaining oil in the pan over the toasts, top with the prosciutto crisps, and use a vegetable peeler to shave a few strips of Parmigiano over the toasts.

Asparagus and Fried Eggs on Garlic Toast

The softly cooked egg yolks in this dish, which works well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, become a delicious sauce for the toast and asparagus.

• 4-1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough bread (from a round loaf)
• 1 large clove garlic, halved
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more for brushing the toast
• 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems
• Kosher salt
• 4 large eggs
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 oz. Pecorino Romano, shaved into large shards with a vegetable peeler

Lightly toast the bread. Rub one side of each slice with the garlic and brush lightly with olive oil. Put 1 slice on each of 4 plates.

Put the asparagus in a 12-inch nonstick skillet with 1/2 cup water, the olive oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a shallow bowl. When the asparagus is ready, pat dry and divide it among the pieces of toast. Wipe out the skillet with paper towels if wet; then slide the eggs into the hot skillet, sprinkle each with a pinch of salt and pepper, cover, and cook over low heat until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny, about 2 minutes.

Top each toast with an egg. Garnish with the shaved Pecorino, and serve.