I have a new favorite dish to make: quiche. Let me extol the virtues of the sublime quiche. They're easy to make, they're versatile, they make great dishes for entertaining or for just the family, you can add all kinds of good-for-you veggies, they're a great pot-luck meal, they can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and best of all, they're really tasty!
In the past couple of weeks, I've made two recipes that I've found particularly easy. Both are variations on recipes found originally on Allrecipes.com, but the two quiche recipes below reflect my own changes. In addition, I use a ridiculously easy pie crust recipe that works perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes alike; it too comes from allrecipes.com.
No-Roll Pie Crust II
Courtesy of allrecipes.com, submitted by Laura_1221
(makes one 9-inch pie crust)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons of milk
-- In a 9-inch pie plate sift flour, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in oil and milk.
-- Mix with a fork and then press into the bottom and sides of a pie plate.
-- Can be used as is for recipes that call for an unbaked crust.
-- For recipes that call for a baked crust, preheat oven to 450F, bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Potato, Ham, and Onion Quiche
(serves 8)
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
2 cups of shredded hash browned potatoes (thaw if using frozen)
1/3 cup butter, melted
salt to taste
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
-- Preheat oven to 425F
-- Press hash browns into the bottom and sides of the pie crust.
-- Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with salt
-- Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until potatoes begin to brown
-- In a small bowl, combine ham, onion, and shredded cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk togethereggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
-- When crust is ready, spread ham mixture evenly on the bottom, then cover with the egg mixture.
-- Reduce oven temperature to 350F, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until filling is puffed and golden brown.
Spinach Quiche
(serves 8)
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 (10-ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped (white parts only)
4 eggs, beaten
1 (16 ounce) package of cottage cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-- Preheat oven to 325F
-- Place spinach in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until soft. Drain off any remaining liquid.
-- Stir in green onions, eggs, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese.
-- Pour mixture into crust.
-- Bake in oven for 45-50 minutes, or until eggs are set
