This is a delicious and filling variation on "plain" shirred eggs, which are pretty fantastic all by themselves.
But do try:
Shirred Eggs, Italian Style
Ingredients
1 T oil or grease of choice
1/4 onion, minced
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 lb breakfast sausage
8 slices of chopped pepperoni (optional)
1 T fennel seed
1 T Italian seasoning
1 ½ c Nomato Sauce*
4 eggs
Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses
1 T chives
*Note: if you don’t have a problem with nightshades, you may substitute your favorite tomato-based marinara sauce.
Another note: My skillet is small enough to fit inside our toaster oven, but if yours isn’t, the regular broiler in your oven will do. Or you can just cover the pan until the cheese is melted and the eggs are set up, but it’s not quite as good as it is with the cheese slightly browned.
Directions
In a small skillet, heat the oil or grease over medium high and cook the onion and garlic until tender. Add the sausage, pepperoni, fennel and Italian seasoning. Using a spatula, chop up the sausage as it cooks and cook until sausage is well crumbled and browned.
Add the Nomato Sauce and mix everything together until sauce is well heated.
Open a space in the sauce for each egg, and add the eggs. Cook until the undersides of the eggs begin to set up. Sprinkle with cheese and chives, and place the skillet under broiler until cheese is melted and eggs are almost done to your liking - if you’re going for soft yolks, it’s easy to overdo it.
Allow to sit for a minute or so before serving. The eggs will continue to set up.