Creamed Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Pesto Toast

, from Issue #23. September, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Creamed Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Pesto Toast

Crispy cheesy pesto toast fingers wrapped in smoked salmon. Paired with creamy eggs for a delicious breakfast you will be excited to eat in the morning.

 

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

Toast
1 loaf sourdough bread
3 tablespoons basil pesto
3 tablespoons butter, soft but not melted
1⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
50 grams thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into long strips

Eggs
12 fresh, free-range eggs
1⁄2 cup cream
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon butter

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Cut the bread horizontally into 2 x 1 cm thick slices and remove the crusts. The slices should be about 20 cm long. Cut each slice in 11⁄2 cm wide fingers. You need at least 8 fingers, but more can be served if desired.

Combine the pesto, butter and Parmesan in a bowl. Spread onto all 4 sides of each finger of bread. Place on a baking tray and bake until golden and crisp, turning halfway through. Cool.

Wrap a couple of strips of smoked salmon around each finger.

Eggs: Whisk the eggs to combine and stir in the cream. Season well. Place a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add the butter and when melted pour in the eggs. Cook slowly, stirring frequently with a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon. Gentle cooking is important to ensure soft, creamy eggs. Remove from the heat when slightly underdone as they will continue cooking.

To serve: Spoon into warm shallow dishes and serve immediately with the salmon toasts.