WILD MUSHROOM TOASTS WITH HAM AND FRIED EGGS (for four)

In the Basque region of Spain, this pintxo serves as an appetizer, but it is equally good as a breakfast toast.

four ½ inch thick slices cut from an oval loaf of crusty bread

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

¾ pound oyster mushrooms, stems discarded and large mushrooms halved

salt and freshly ground pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 thin slices Serrano ham (about 2 ounces)

4 large eggs

2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

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1.  Preheat a grill pan.  Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.  Grill the bread over high heat, turning once, until lightly charred and crisp, about 30 seconds per side.  Transfer to plates.

2.  In a large skillet, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, spread the mushrooms on the toast. 

3.   Add the Serrano ham to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat until warmed through and slightly crisp, about 5 seconds per side.  Set the ham over the mushrooms.  Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry them over easy.  Top each toast with an egg, sprinkle with the parsley and serve at once.

from Food and Wine Magazine