Yes, men really do eat quiche and they will absolutely love this one. Don made it twice this week, once for the girls when they came over to set the Christmas tree up for us and again, when we had special company for lunch. There were not even crumbs left over, trust me.
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 12 large shrimp, tails removed
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped celery, ribs removed
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp. grated onion
- 1 tbsp. flour
- pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup cream
- 1 9 inch unbaked pie shell
- grated parmesan cheese
Clean the shrimp and cut each one in quarters equally. Toss together the cheese, shrimp, grated onion, celery, parsley, flour and salt, making sure it is well mixed.
Beat the eggs lightly and gradually stir in the cream. Add this to the cheese mixture, stirring well to combine. Pour into the pie shell.
Bake is a preheated 375 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Serve this with a beautiful spinach strawberry salad and you have a winner. You could always add a glass of chilled white wine as well.
Croques Trout
When we were in France we ate Croques Monsieur ‘sandwiches’ and liked them. This is an Hors d’ Oeuvres that will please one and all.
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup whipped cream, whipped only until thickened
- pinch of ground nutmeg,
- sea salt
- 8 slices Tramezzini (crustless white bread from Super Store)
- 2 tbsp. melted butter
- 5 oz. smoked trout, thinly sliced
- small lime wedges
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Chop the grated Swiss cheese until very fine. Using a spatula, gently fold into the thick cream. Season with the nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
Brush one side of the bread with the melted butter. Spread the cheese mixture on the unbuttered side. Layer the trout on top of the cheese mixture on 4 slices and add the top buttered layer of the slices. (butter side out).
Place each bread square on a tinfoil square and cover with a top layer of tin foil. Make sure to seal all the edges tightly to continue on.
Heat a skillet (dry) and place each packet in to cook for 1 minute each side. Transfer all packets to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. When you remove the tin foil, both top and bottom should be toasted.
Cut each one in half, making 4 pieces each ‘sandwich’ and then on the diagonal making 8 pieces. Arrange on a platter, garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately to your wide-eyed guests.
Cheese And Ham Tartlets
This is an easy recipe because you can use the frozen unbaked tart shells. Okay, sometimes I cheat….just a little.
- 2 cups grated Swiss cheese
- 2/3 cup finely chopped cooked ham steak, fat removed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- pinch of salt and pepper
Combine the cheese, ham, shallots and sour cream in a medium bowl and mix really well. Add the salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange the tart shells on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Evenly distribute the cheee mixture in the shells and return to the oven and bake a further 10 minutes (until the cheese mixture is hot right through and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm. There won’t be any leftovers, I promise!
Broccoli and Swiss Cheese Quiche
This makes a nice breakfast quiche or better yet, add a cold, fresh salad and a glass of white wine: perfect lunch fare. I prefer the lunch idea.
- 9 inch unbaked pie shell
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli
- 1 1/2 cups grated swiss cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- pinch of salt
- dash of tabasco
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prick the bottom and sides of the pie shell with a fork and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly sprinkle 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese. Layer half the broccoli over the cheese. Layer half the swiss cheese on top. Repeat the layers of broccoli and cheese.
In a bowl, beat the eggs, add the broth, cream, salt and tabasco and mix well. Pour this mixture over the layers in the pastry shell. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top and place the pie on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature in the oven to 325 degrees and bake for another 20-25 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let stand 10 minutes before cutting to allow the pie to settle.
Did I mention that this is yummy? It is.
Swiss Cheese Squares
This is an oldie but goodie….
- 2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter **recipe follows
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup grated swiss cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp poppy seeds
Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Cut in shortening until it resembles dry cornmeal.
Add starter and enough milk to form a soft dough that cleans the side of the bowl. Add cheese and knead lightly into the dough.
Pat or roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into squares using a serrated knife. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Sourdough Starter
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 cups flour
Using a crock, combine ingredients. Place in a warm place 3-4 days until bubbly and sour smelling. Refrigerate.
Each time it is used, replenish equal parts, cover and refrigerate.
NEVER use all of the starter at one time.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry For Men To Make
This is sooooo easy but the flavours are incredible. You can cut up fresh, cold melons/berries and arrange on the plate. This is perfect when paired with scrambled eggs.
You need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- thin slices of cooked ham
- slices of swiss cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tbsp. cream
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unfold pastry and when thawed, divide into 4 squares. Spread mustard over each square (gingerly), place ham and cheese on top and fold into a triangle. Wet the edges of the pastry with cream and seal closed.
Put on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Serve this with fresh muffins, fresh coffee and juice. Men: If working on special occasions or Valentine’s Day, this is for you. Put a long stem red rose in a vase on the tray or table. Couldn’t be easier but WOW! the results are unmentionable. (At least here).
Taste Rating: 9