Broccoli Garlic Pancetta Quiche

The other day, I began experimenting with actually using my Gourmet magazine instead of just chucking it into my Foodie Shrine Basket.

I made this yummy salad and to go alongside it – I made this quiche also.

The 2 together were fabulous!

Mr. Wonderful and I had an amazing Saturday lunch.

This quiche begins by baking your crust. If you’ve read my blog, you know at this point, I’m somewhat intimidated by pie crust. IF you really want to make the crust that Gourmet uses, I am including it in the printable recipe.

Let’s just say I really didn’t feel like making it. So I used my old faithful, and instead of putting it in one 9 inch pan, I put it in some ramekins for the 2 of us. Either way, press the pie crust down into the pan(s), and go ahead and leave some of it hanging out -rustic style. I love rustic food. It looks so much more appealing to me than pretty, perfect food.

Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork all over so it won’t bubble when cooking. Gourmet recommends putting foil inside and weighing it down with beans, but I found my method worked beautifully.

And I didn’t have to waste any beans…or foil.

Put your pie(s) on a lined baking sheet and bake until the crust turns golden brown – about 20-25 minutes.

While that’s baking, start a medium saucepan with water to boil on the stove. Chop up a head of broccoli into florets. That means, not much stem and just the flowery end of the broccoli.

Also grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, and peel 2 cloves of garlic.

We need to make garlic paste. If you love the flavor of garlic, but don’t like the crunch of biting into it, try making garlic paste.

Sprinkle some kosher salt on the garlic.

Take the flat part of a large chef’s knife and begin to smash the salt and garlic together using the edge of the knife.

Toss your broccoli florets in the boiling water for about 4 minutes.

After 4 minutes, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking action.

In a medium mixing bowl, crack 6 eggs.

Pour in one and one-half cups of half-and-half.

Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt.

Add in your garlic paste to the egg mixture. Whisk it all up real good!

By now, your crusts will be done.

Ladle in your egg mixture, leaving room for broccoli and cheese to top them.

Carefully sprinkle a generous portion of your broccoli into the egg mixture. I chopped mine up a bit for the ramekins, but if you make the larger pie – no need.