Greek Quiche

A new take on a classic quiche loaded with flavor. It’s great for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

1 prepared 8-inch pie shell
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced

3 large eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup half and half

2 teaspoons fresh chopped oregano
1 (10-ounce) package frozen leaf spinach, thawed, excess liquid squeezed out and chopped

½ of a roasted red pepper, chopped, excess liquid squeezed out

¼ cup Kalamata olives
2/3 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Blind bake the crust: Line the pie shell with aluminum foil and weight it with pie weights or beans. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until light golden brown.

Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Add onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes and add garlic and cook 1 minute. Allow to cool

Beat the eggs in a bowl and add the Parmesan and half and half. Add remaining ingredients and pour into the pie shell. Bake on a sheet pan in the middle of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until just set.

Note: You can buy roasted red peppers in a jar.

Cream Cheese, Curry, and Chutney Tarts

These are great little appetizers that are quick to make and very tasty. Thaw the frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator to make rolling them out a little easier. You can make them ahead of time, and serve them warm or at room temperature.

Recipe contributed by Loie Haggen

1 package of frozen puff pastry dough – thawed

½ cup cheddar cheese

6 ounces cream cheese – room temp

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/3 cup Major Grey’s chutney

4 scallions finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out puff pastry and cut with cookie cutter to fit in small tart pans.

Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Taste for seasoning and add more curry if desired. Place 1 teaspoon in each tart.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

They can be made the day before, or baked and frozen. Reheat them on a cookie tray in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes.