Yes, I know "what?? Who would EVER name a dish that let alone eat it?" Chalk it up to the bizarre nature of English humor - if you have ever seen Monty Python this should not surprise you. The origins of the name of course are lost in the mists of time and various theories abound. My explanation? I can just see a pre adolescent british boy explaining the contents of the dish to his much younger sister - "See those bits at the top Sissy - those are toads!" Which of course elicits the requisite squeals and shrieks accompanied by a blatant refusal to touch something "with toads in it". The point of course is to ensure a larger portion for said brother and to further cement his reputation of fearlessness with his younger sister.
In any event, for those of you who aren't familiar with this dish, it is basically a yorkshire pudding with sausage (aka a popover). It is delicious in the way that dishes made with the most basic ingredients are and is one of my family's favorites. It is also a great dish for a weekend breakfast - easy, comforting and filling. It's the kind of dish I love to make on lazy Sunday mornings when we aren't in the mood for pancakes and plain eggs just won't do. And why am I telling you this on a Monday?? So that you have something to look forward to making when the week end rolls around - and yes, it will be the weekend before you know it!!
[print_this]Toad in the Hole - My way
Serves 4
2 eggs
1 cup milk (can use lowfat)
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt
½ lb. bulk sausage
½ cup shredded cheese blend
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Directions:
Pre heat oven to 425 degrees.
In a medium bowl, combine the milk and the eggs and beat until combined. Dump in the flour and the salt and whisk until you have a smooth batter. Set aside. In a nonstick skillet cook sausage, crumbling into small pieces. Place ¼ of sausage mixture into an 8 x 8 inch pyrex (or spoon ¼ of mixture into each of 4 one cup souffle dishes). Place into oven and heat for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and top with cheese and scallions and pour egg/flour mixture on top (if using souffle dishes, divide egg mixture evenly between dishes). Return dish to oven and cook for 20 - 30 minutes or until egg mixture is puffed and golden. Remove from oven and serve!!
Note: Dish will deflate as it cools, that is normal!!
Although I've made this dish with sausage it's also great with bacon, pancetta or do a vegetarian version with mushrooms and onions. Feel free to add any herbs you like.[/print_this]
Cathy @ ShowFoodChef says
Love the post, and wow those pics are nice!
Sippity Sup says
Your toad is hiding I have been away and am trying desperately to play blog catch up! Sorry I am jet lagged. GREG
Kim says
Hey Nancy! We made this for breakfast over the weekend. You're right - it's a WONDERFUL alternative to the usual of pancakes or eggs. :o) And if I have "just one little ramekin," it's not hard on the waist-line, either!
[K]
Jean at The Delightful Repast says
Nancy, since English (as well as Southern and a few others) cooking is my thing, I just HAD to check out your version of Toad in the Hole. Love it! I'm a sucker for individual servings of things. I'll be making this soon. Gorgeous photos--you obviously didn't need that part on the program at camp!
Nancy says
Hi Jean!!
I really hope you like this version - my family thoroughly enjoyed it and they are a tough crowd!! Thanks too for the compliments on the photo. I am still learning and struggling with my photography but that is part of the fun!!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
I love individual servings - always so elegant and seem to say "you're special", not to mention easy to serve. Made sweet potato hash and eggs this morning - next weekend I'm trying my hand at "toad in a he hole" - love the name. And, it was nice meeting and sharing a table with you at Camp Blogaway last weekend 🙂
Nancy says
Hi Priscilla!!
I really hope you like it - it's a great recipe to have in your collection!! It was really nice meeting you as well - hope to see you at the next blogging event!
Nancy says
Hi Priscilla! I love individual servings too - sweet potato hash and eggs?? Yum... I'll need to give that one a go!! Great to meet you as well - we need to get an OC blogger group together!!
Pretty. Good. Food. says
Mmmm, simple but delicious! I love it! 🙂
Nancy says
Hi Meredith,
Simple and delicious are definitely a good combination!!!
Marisa says
I like your story of how it came to be called toad-in-the-hole! Can just imagine that pesky older brother smirking at his sisters squeals of disgust.
Nancy says
Hi Marisa!!
Me too!!
Diana says
Hi Nancy, this is Diana from TasteSpotting!
Love your take on the toad in the hole! Have you thought about submitting the recipe for the $1000 grand prize in TasteSpotting’s Johnsonville Sausage recipe contest? You can find out more details here – http://www.tastespotting.com/features/sausagespotting-win-1500-dollars-johnsonville-recipe-contest
Would love to have you participate – cheers!
Nancy says
Hi Diana,
Thank you so much! Just finished my submission!!!