With all the special occasion meals taking place in this month of holidays and happenings, a simple meal that takes advantage of leftovers is sometimes just exactly what we need. However, it need not be a meal with no flair or flavor. One of my favorite breakfasts of all time involves quiche, fresh fruit, warm muffins and coffee. It's delicious and, if you plan ahead, incredibly simple to make. The great thing about quiche is that you can make it using a wide variety of leftovers and you can make it ahead of time. This makes it perfect breakfast and brunch food for this time of the year. With lots of leftover Christmas ham around, it almost puts itself together, especially since I suggest using frozen pie crusts. Yup, I just said that. Got a problem with it? ;-)
If you make your quiche sometime during the week and have one for dinner with a nice side salad and a glass of chilled wine, you can set the other aside for that favorite breakfast of mine. Then, on the morning selected, simply warm your quiche and muffins (which you could also make in advance if you'd like) and cut up some fruit and make coffee while that happens and you have an elegant breakfast without lots of morning fuss. Planning ahead and making your life easier. Hmm. Seems like a good way to start the New Year, doesn't it? Happy New Year, everyone!
Quiche Lorraine
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cubed cooked ham
- 2 frozen pie crusts
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a heavy glass bowl, combine the half-and-half and the eggs. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Add the salt and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Evenly distribute the ham and cheese in the pie crusts. Pour the egg mixture into the bottom of each crust. (It will not cover the ham. The eggs will expand upon cooking.) Bake the quiche until it is firm to the touch, about 45 minutes. Cool the pie for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Yields: 2 quiches
- Preparation Time: 1 hour