Yes! Real men DO eat quiche, and my whole family loves this quiche. I found this recipe, years ago, in a “Taste of Home Freezer Pleasers” cookbook. That recipe was attributed to Paula Marchesi, and I have doctored it up to make it my own. It’s great for putting in the freezer and cooking at a later date, or making it for tonight. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 unbaked pastry shells (9 inches)
- 2 t. chili powder
- 1 t. ground cumin
- 1 1/2 c. (6 oz..) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1 c. (4 0z.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 cans (4 oz. each) chopped green chilies
- 2 cans ( 2 1/4 oz. each) sliced ripe olives, drained
- 6 oz. chopped ham
- 1/4 c. chopped green onions
- 2 T. minced fresh cilantro
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 t. pepper
- Salsa and sour cream, optional
Line unpricked pastry shells with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 400* for 5 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 minutes longer.
Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over shells; sprinkle with cheeses. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, chilies, ham, olives, onions, cilantro, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over cheese.
Cover and freeze one quiche for up to 3 months. Cover edges of second quiche loosely with foil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400* for 45 – 60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.
To use frozen quiche: Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. (do not thaw). Cover edges of crust loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400* for 60 minutes or longer, until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. YIELD: 2 quiches (6 servings each).
Note: Originally, the baking time was less, but having added the ham, it takes longer to bake. This would also be great with chicken, or Cajun Style Andouille Sausage. Be creative!
I also had some problems with the pan sticking to the freezer shelf or whatever I placed it on. It dripped a bit, under the pie plate, when I put it down and caused a suction. Maybe put a double layer of foil on the bottom?
Hope you enjoy!
Grandma Sherry