Give your holiday leftovers a makeover! Chunks of random cheese? Small rations of veggies? A couple of sprigs of tarragon ordinarily destined to die a slow death? Even that carton of cream can have a new purpose. Quiche it! Just pull out the scale and load it up with varying bits of cheddar, swiss, and gouda until you have about 4 oz for your pie. Substitute the broccoli for whatever veggies you have from your feast- any combination of cauliflower, brussel sprouts, peas, and such will do. With leftover veggies, you can toss them right in and skip the steaming. And feel free to use half-n-half instead of the milk or replace half of the milk with cream. Bake it up and avert leftover ennui!
ingredients
1 10" Pie Crust, homemade or store bought
8 oz Broccoli
1/2 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Butter
8-10 oz (about 2 medium) Onions
1 1/2 Cups Milk
4 Eggs
3 Grams (1/2 teaspoon) Table Salt, plus additional for sprinkling
2 Tablespoons White Flour
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
4 oz Semi-hard Cheese, shredded
deviations & tips
Try smoked cheddar or Gouda for a flavor reminiscent of ham.
Add up to an ounce of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or tarragon, to the milk and egg mixture.
Substitute cauliflower for the broccoli.
the method
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Press pie crust into 10" pie pan and set aside.
If using broccoli stems, be sure to peel the tough exterior before cutting and steaming. Combine broccoli with water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes or until just tender but not mushy. Alternatively, you may add the broccoli to boiling water and boil for 2 minutes. Drain broccoli well, sprinkle with salt to taste, and set aside.
Cook or steam broccoli prior to assembly.
Melt butter in a small or medium skillet over medium heat. Saute for a few minutes until soft. Set aside.
Saute onions until soft.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, flour, and black pepper until completely incorporated.
Spread onions evenly over bottom of pie crust; follow with shredded cheese. Arrange broccoli on top. Carefully, pour milk mixture into pie pan. The mixture should settle into the crevices and self-level.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting.
