HEARTY ASPARAGUS QUICHE

Hearty Asparagus Quiche image

My husband and I are avid sailors. So, before we head out to the lake on chilly mornings, I like to prepare this hearty quiche, along with coffee and fresh-from-the-oven muffins for a warm wake-up.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus
1 teaspoon salt
1 unbaked pastry shell (10 inches)
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
Cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

Cut eight asparagus spears 4-in. long for garnish. Cut remaining asparagus into 1/2-in. pieces, using only tender parts of stalks. Boil 1 qt. of water in a large saucepan; add salt and all of the asparagus. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse asparagus. Brush bottom of pastry shell with egg white, In a bowl combine asparagus, Swiss cheese and bacon; mix gently. Place in bottom of pastry shell. In another bowl, beat eggs, cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper until smooth. Pour into shell. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Arrange the asparagus spears, spoke fashion, on top of quiche; place cherry tomato halves between spokes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 calories, Fat 25g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 165mg cholesterol, Sodium 729mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 17g protein.