Eggs in Maple Ham Cups

Lorna's recipe from Rightathome.com

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, melted

12 slices (about 8–10 ounces total, prepackaged or from the deli counter) Black Forest or smoked Virginia ham, cut a little thinner than a slice of American cheese

2 Tablespoons maple syrup

2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or chives; if using dried herbs, use 1 1/2 teaspoons

12 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Set baking rack in the middle of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Use melted butter to coat inside of 12 standard-size muffin tins. Fit 1 slice of ham into each cup, pressing down gently to line cup. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup into each ham cup, followed by 1/2 teaspoon seasonings (1/8 tsp. if using dried herbs). Add 1 tablespoon cheese, then crack 1 egg into each ham cup. Bake until whites are cooked and yolks are firm, about 20 minutes. If large bubbles form on eggs during baking, pierce them with a toothpick while they cook.

Remove the baking pan from the oven and season the eggs with salt and pepper. Using 2 teaspoons or small spatulas, carefully lift the full ham cups out and place on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs (if using) and serve immediately.