Open Faced Ham and Gouda Sandwich with a Poached Egg

 

Thank you National Sandwich Day for the inspiration for tonight's menu! Also, I must point out how AWESOME Blake's camera is.  Look at the steam coming off that egg!!! Back to the topic at hand, sandwiches.  I must say, they are one of my favorite go to meals.  You can be completely creative or plain and boring, and a sandwich is still delicious. 

This particular sandwich was extra special because it was my first time poaching an egg.  It was definitely a success and I cannot wait to make Eggs Benedict next! This deliciously decadent sandwich is topped with avocado, sauteed onions, ham, Gouda cheese, and of course, a poached egg.  It was very yummy and a perfect way to celebrate National Sandwich Day!

Things You'll Need:

Thinly sliced ham  - 2-3 slices per sandwich: I sauteed my slices up for a few minutes ahead of time

1 Avocado sliced

1/4 Onion - sliced
Gouda Cheese
2-3 eggs - depends on how many you want on your sandwich
Any type of bread - 1 slice per sandwich

1.  Prepare avocado, bread, and ham ahead of time.  Slice the avocado and butter the bread in preparation for putting together your sandwich.  If you would like to saute the ham, do this ahead of time as well (It adds a bit more flavor).

2.  Begin by Sauteeing the onions in a medium sized pan on medium- high heat.  Set aside once finished.

3.  In a large non-stick pan on medium-high heat, place bread butter side down.  Top with avocado, onion, ham, and then cheese (in that order).  Place the pan cover on top of the sandwich to allow the cheese to melt.  Keep an eye on your bread, it can burn quickly! (I know from experience)


Poaching the Egg:
This seemed daunting to me.  I didn't want to break the yolk or screw anything up, and because of this have put off poaching eggs for years.  Surprise surprise, it was very easy!

1.  Bring a pot of water to a slow rolling boil.  Crack an egg into a small bowl to make it easier to drop into the water.

2.  Once the water comes to a slow roll, stir the water so it is moving in a circular motion. 

3.  Drop the egg into the center of the circle and if necessary stir again to ensure the egg continues to move.

4.  Let the egg cook in the boiling water for about 3 minutes and using a ladle, remove.

The only other thing you need to do is serve your poached egg on top of your favorite meal!