Sweet Paul Eat & Make

Once upon a time, a nice Norwegian boy, named Paul Lowe, found he had a knack for cooking and making the food look really fine. He parlayed this knack into a job as a stylist. But he wasn't simply happy making other people's food look great, he wanted to show off his own food.  So he started a blog and named it for himself, using the nickname he got from his flamboyant godmother, Sweet Paul.  The blog was an immediate success and soon it spawned its own magazine called -- yes, Sweet Paul.  

Then the blog/magazine got its very own cookbook: Sweet Paul Eat & Make.  In addition to his cooking skills, Sweet Paul is also a bit of a crafter and he has included several easy projects in his cookbook.  One look at this cookbook and you will understand why Paul was such a whiz as a food stylist.  The photos are inviting, making you want to cook everything in this book.  

It is no secret that we love eggs and so does Paul.  Here is Sweet Paul's preface to this recipe.

"I’m often asked what my favorite ingredient is. I always answer the same thing: eggs! I never get tired of them; there’s so much you can do with them. Runny, sunny, poached, hard-boiled, scrambled, put into omelets, on top, under, in the middle—any which way, just give me an egg, and I’m happy.

We feel the same way! 

Baked Snug Eggs

2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced

1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the pan

8 medium-thick slices good-quality smoked ham

2 scallions, thinly sliced

8 large eggs

4 tablespoons heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground pepper 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, with a rack in the middle position. Butter four small gratin dishes.

2. Fry the potatoes in the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes.

 

3. Place 2 slices of ham in each dish. Divide the potatoes and scallions evenly among the dishes, then add 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon cream to each dish. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

5. Serve warm.

What a great way to start the day.  Grab some eggs, play some solitaire, dye a tablecloth, bake a cake, you can do it all with Sweet Paul!