Herb Crust Cheesy Quiche

This weekend is one of the most special celebrations of the year, Mother's Day. There will be many feasts happening whether it's with a mom present or in memorial of a mom with wings. I'll be hosting a Tea Party in honor of the moms in my tribe and will be serving this unique and easy Cheesy Quiche on Sunday.

Here's to a happy, yummy Mother's Day to all.

FOR THE CRUST:

1 9" deep dish pie pan

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

1 stick of unsalted butter shredded

4 Tbsp cold water

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (adds amazing flavor)

1/4 Tsp salt

1 Tsp chives minced (may sub with scallion)

1/4 Tsp rosemary minced

1 Tsp parsley minced

1/2 Tsp thyme minced

Tip: Wrap a piece of paper towel around end of frozen butter for safe grip to shred.

METHOD:

In a medium bowl, add shredded butter to flour. Add salt, extra virgin olive oil and herbs and combine until evenly distributed. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until loose ball forms. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 mins to an hour.

Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit for 10-15 minutes. On a well floured surface, roll dough out into spherical shape about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully place dough into pie pan. Trim dough ends with kitchen sheers but leave a bit hanging over the edge (this compensates for shrinkage).

Tip: You can enhance a store bought crust by bringing crust just under room temperature (about 65 degrees) then gently pressing dried herbs into the bottom and sides of dough. Follow the remaining steps as normal.

FIRST BAKE:

Place parchment paper in the center of the pie crust, covering inside walls and fill with pie weights (2 pks) or 1 lb of dried beans or rice. Bake in oven at 350 for 12 minutes, Remove parchment paper and weights. Using a fork, pierce the center and sides of pie crust a few times and return to the oven uncovered for 5 mins. Remove and set aside.

FOR THE FILLING:

5 Eggs

1/2 Cup grated cheddar cheese (mild)

1/4 Cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 Cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 Cup shredded smoked gouda cheese

1 cup whole milk or cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 Small shallot minced

Tip: Consider substituting feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese for extra unique flavor. You may also add chopped cooked meat and/or veggies to the mix. This recipe makes 1 large 9" deep dish pie. Additional ingredients may require a larger pie pan and more dough. You could remove 2 cheeses and sub with another optional filling reducing the amount by 1tbsp each.

METHOD:

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk/cream until fluffy. Add cheese, salt, pepper and shallots. Using a spoon, stir until fully incorporated. Pour cheesy filling into herb crust and bake at 375 for approximately 35 minutes or until center is no longer soft. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Happy eating!