At the moment, I have loads of things going on from work to personal, and it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon.. Don't get me wrong, I love being a busy bee but am also looking forward to slowing down a few gears so I can enjoy Phiras, my family and friends a little more.. The reason I'm mentioning this is because my brother, sister and best friend have gotten upset at me this past week for not being able to talk to them lately.. So here it is - an official apology, I am sorry, truly! :)
And having said that, I haven't been able to enjoy my little kitchen as much as I usually do either!! So yesterday before heading to a friend's birthday get together, I made a Quiche Lorraine.. Yummy!
Makes 1 Quiche
Easy. Prep & Cook Time: ~ 2 hours (with homemade tart base)
For the pastry:
- 1 1/2 cups flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp of cold water
- (egg yolk for brushing pastry)
- 3 red onions
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
- 200g bacon bits (lardons) OPTIONAL
- 1 cup light cooking cream
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- cracked pepper to taste
In a food processor add all the pastry ingredients and blend until the dough resembles breadcrumbs.. Place it on your work surface and combine all ingredients well without over-kneading.. Roll out the dough (using a little flour if it sticks) and place it in a tart base.. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.. Preheat the oven to 200C.. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes until it turns slightly golden..
In the mean time make the filling.. If you are using bacon, sauté it in a dry pan until golden and crispy, then place on a paper towel to drain and set aside.. In the same pan, sauté the onions on medium heat, add the sugar, thyme, season with salt and pepper, and add a little nut oil if needed, stirring frequently until they nicely browned..
In a bowl, whisk the cream, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.. Now assemble the tart, start by adding the bacon and onions to the base, add the grated cheese, then pour the cream and egg mixture over the top.. Reduce the heat to 200C and bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes until it puffed up a little and has some color.. Serve with a green salad.. Bon Appétit!
