They are escargots, baked in garlic butter. The special ramekins are covered with cheese and/or puff pastry. Here are some I made.
My grandfather travelled to France on the French Line’s SS Paris in the mid 1920’s. He always told me stories about French cuisine. Being a child, I was of course fascinated by the idea of eating snails.
Properly done, the are very rich and delicious. Of course, dipping pieces of warm baguette into the melted butter makes it a two course treat.
Other prefer to fill escargot shells with the butter and herbs and bake them together. Special tongs and forks are provided to hold the shells while you pry out the prize.