Bacon, Onion & Herb Quiche
Light and bright, with a touch of smokiness courtesy of the bacon, this quiche is bound to be a sure-fire hit.
Ingredients:
1 pie crust, either homemade or store-bought
6 thick slices bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
Sliced green onions, for topping
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. If you’re using a refrigerated pie crust (store-bought or homemade), add it to your pie plate and keep cold in the fridge until ready to use. If you’re using a frozen pie crust, keep frozen until ready to bake.
2. In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and leave all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add in the onions and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent and lightly browned. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Take out your pie crust and scatter the bacon and onions evenly along the bottom of the pie crust. Gently pour the egg mixture over top of the onions and bacon. Sprinkle the mozzarella and goat cheese into the quiche.
5. Place your quiche onto a baking sheet (this just helps in case of spills) and place it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. (The quiche is done when the middle seems set and the crust edges are browned.) Let rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
Smoked Ham Hocks with Braised Collard Greens & Beans
This recipe yields a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the smoky richness of ham hocks with the earthy flavors of collard greens and beans.
Ingredients:
2 smoked ham hocks
1 pound dried beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Method:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Add the smoked ham hocks to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone.
3. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
4. Return the chopped ham hock meat to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir well to combine. Simmer uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the collard greens are tender and cooked to your liking.
5. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors of the dish. Serve the smoked ham hocks, collard greens, and beans hot, garnished with a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Fennel & Potato Frittata with Fromage Blanc
This frittata offers a savory and flavorful way to enjoy the unique taste of fennel while incorporating wholesome ingredients perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 small onion, or 2-3 Cipollini onions, thinly sliced
1 medium potato, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup fromage blanc
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced fennel, onion, and potato to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Use a spatula to gently lift the edges of the frittata, allowing the uncooked eggs to flow underneath. Dollop the fromage blanc over the frittata in spoonfuls.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the frittata until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden, about 12-15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs over the top for added flavor and garnish. Slice the frittata into wedges and serve warm.
Baked Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast
This homey recipe from The Pioneer Woman can easily be done a day ahead and chilled until ready to bake.
Ingredients:
1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread
Butter, for greasing the baking pan
8 whole eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Topping:
8 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
½ cup flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup raisins
Method:
1. Cut bread into ¼-inch slices, then overlap the slices in rows in a well-buttered baking dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then pour the mixture evenly over all the pieces of bread, soaking the bread as much as possible.
2. To make the topping, combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl and cut it all together with a pastry cutter. Stir in the raisins. Sprinkle the topping all over the casserole. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake the French toast for 45 minutes to 1 hour for a softer texture, or longer for a firmer, crisper texture. Cover with foil for the first 30 minute of baking, then remove it for the remaining baking time. Serve individual helpings with butter and warm syrup
