Egg in the basket, egg in hole, ball in pocket, hen in basket, elephant egg(?), bird’s nest, Mary’s special egg (<-you’re mama must of loved you) sunshine toast, toad in hole (which, by the way, did you know is something completely different than an egg on toast…true story) all awesome names that you told me recently on twitter for this favorite childhood dish. Egg In Basket is actually an Americanized version of the traditional Spanish appetizer Gallina de Madre, or Mother Hen Toast, made with thick country bread and serrano ham. YUM! For today’s purpose we’re just having the simplified version with what I have on hand.

Egg In Basket with Tomato and Scallion is a fun and delicious family meal especially when you get the kids involved by letting them choose their own toppings. Mia is a big fan of cheddar cheese and tomato.

Egg In Basket with Tomato and Scallion serves 4

• 4 slices of bread, today I’m using 7 grain
• extra virgin olive oil
• 4 eggs
• 6 cherry tomatoes
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 4 scallions (green onion)

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Slice the tomatoes and the scallions. Set aside.

Arrange bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on each slice. I’m using garlic infused oil and sweet baby it’s delicious. Place the bread into the oven and bake for 8 minutes.

Remove from the oven and with your fingers, gently press a 3″ x 3″ indention into the middle of the bread.

Crack an egg into a small bowl.

Next, slowly pour the egg into the indention on the bread. Repeat with the remaining eggs and slices of bread.

Place 6 tomato slices on each egg and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground pepper.

Carefully, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes for a perfectly runny egg yolk and cooked whites (bake for 12 minutes for a slightly runny egg and 15 minutes for a well done cooked through egg yolk).

Top with a tablespoon of freshly shredded parmesan cheese and a pinch of scallions or top with whatever the kiddos like (cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon… you get the idea). Egg in basket, a perfectly light, simple and delicious family breakfast.