CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BAKED EGGS with CHEESE

                          Based on CZECH CUISINE by Joza Brizova and Maryna Klimentova

4 thick, large slices of white bread (Italian or French style loaf)

¾ cup milk

Sliced cheese  

4 eggs

Salt  

Paprika

·        Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

·        Grease 9 inch square cake pan (or casserole) heavily with butter or you'll have trouble when you’re serving. 

·        Heat the milk but don’t boil it.

·        Line the casserole with the 4 slices of bread.

·        Spoon ½ cup of the milk over the bread slices.  They should be moist, but not soaked.

·        Put the casserole in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

·        Meanwhile, slice the cheese.   

·        Distribute the cheese on the bread slices and place an egg on each.

·        Sprinkle with salt and paprika and the rest of the milk.

Bake until eggs are set – about 20 minutes. (Check after 15 minutes)

Serve with a lettuce salad.

Nicole commented:  “It’s like a rarebit, only milder. . . I really like it.”   Then she added, “They do say when you’re cooking with simple ingredients, the secret is to use really good ones.” 

 I used 150 g (5 ounces) of smoked cheddar – Ilchester Applewood cheese. . . delicious!

                                                                *************

Christmas is officially over -- after our light brunch, Nicole flew home today.