HERBED EGGS IN PASTRY
Dough
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
15 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
5 tablespoons ice water
In a bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the butter pieces and, using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the butter until the mixture looks crumbly and the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Add the ice water and, using a wooden spoon, work in very briefly to form a rough dough. Do not make the dough a smooth ball. Work unincorporated flour into the dough when rolling out. Wrap the dough and loose flour particles in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 1 week before use.
Filling
1/4 cup shredded provolone, Muenster or similar cheese
2 teaspoons mixed chopped fresh herbs (such as tarragon, chives, thyme and/or Italian parsley, in any combination)
8 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
4 tablespoons heavy cream
Prepare the pastry dough as directed and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat an oven to 400. Butter and flour four 4-inch tart pans or ramekins. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and dust with flour as well. Roll out 1/8 inch thick and cut out 4 rounds each about 6 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer them to the prepared pans, pressing gently against the bottom and sides. Trim off the overhang and, using your thumb and forefinger, crimp the edges attractively. Score the bottoms and sides several times with the tines of a fork. Line with waxed paper and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake until very light brown, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then remove the weights or beans and the waxed paper. Reduce the oven temperature to 350. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the cheese into the bottom of each cooled pastry shell. In a small dish, stir together the remaining cheese and the herbs. Break 2 eggs into each pastry shell, positioning them side by side, and dot the tops with the butter, dividing it equally. Sprinkle the cheese-herb mixture evenly over the tops, then spoon 1 tablespoon of cream atop each pair of eggs. Bake until the eggs have set, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute. Using a narrow spatula, carefully transfer to warmed individual plates and serve immediately. Yield: 4 Servings
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