Quiche

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust
½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
1 cup half and half

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Gently unfold prepared pie crust. With wet fingers, press together any cracks. Sprinkle flour on one side; place floured side down on a 9-inch pie plate. Flute the edges; prick the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle Swiss cheese on bottom. Set aside.

Increase oven tempe rature to 400º F.

In a bowl, whisk eggs, half and half and milk until well blended and frothy. Pour over cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until nicely browned and puffy. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Variations of Quiche: Place the following ingredients with cheese in prepared pie shell:

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Variation 1

6 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled
2 cups chopped leeks, white and pale green parts only, sautéed in 1 Tablespoon Butter
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Variation 2

2 cups onion, sautéed in 1 Tablespoon Butter

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Variation 3

½ cup cooked ham, cut into small cubes
1 onion and ½ bell pepper, minced and sautéed in 1 Tablespoon Butter

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Variation 4

1 small onion minced and ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms sautéed in 1 Tablespoon butter
½ pound sausage, browned, crumbled and well drained