What is shirred egg?

Shirred eggs are essentially baked eggs, often with a creamy texture. Here's what makes them special:

* Preparation: Eggs are usually cracked into individual ramekins or a baking dish, often with a splash of cream or milk for richness. Sometimes, you might find seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs, or cheese added to the mixture.

* Baking: The eggs are baked in a moderate oven until set, creating a gently puffed, almost custardy texture. The yolks are typically still runny or just slightly set, offering a velvety consistency.

* Presentation: Shirred eggs are often served in their ramekins or dish for a visually appealing, elegant presentation.

Here are some common variations:

* Plain shirred eggs: These are the most basic version, just baked eggs with a splash of cream.

* Shirred eggs with toppings: You can add almost anything to shirred eggs, such as cheese, herbs, vegetables, mushrooms, smoked salmon, or even a dollop of pesto.

* Shirred eggs with bread: Often served with toast or crusty bread for dipping into the creamy yolks.

Shirred eggs are a delicious and versatile dish suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. They're easy to make, customizable, and surprisingly elegant.