Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Here is a great recipe for breakfast,lunch or even dinner.I make my own pastry dough,but you can easily substitute a  pre-made refrigerated or frozen pie dough.This can also be made into an appetizer by using a mini muffin pan,cutting out mini circles of pie dough and then adding the filling.Either way,a delicious addition
to any meal.
  I like to make pie dough,and with a food processor,it is really not difficult.Sometimes I make a few,especially around Thanksgiving,fit them into the pie plates,wrap tightly and freeze.If you have the time to do this,making this quiche or a pie is always an easy option because the dough is already made.Here is my recipe for pie dough:
2-1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 sticks of very cold butter,cut into pieces
4-6 tbsp. of ice water

Mix the flour,salt & sugar in the bowl of the food processor.Add the butter and process until the butter looks like small peas.Slowly,one tablespoon at a time,add the cold water and process.Once the dough comes together,and is soft to the touch,you are ready.The dough should not feel "wet."Remember,don't add too much water at once.You can always add more,but you cannot take it away once it goes in.I then refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes,roll it out on a floured surface and fit it into a pie plate.Then I prick it with a fork.Why?Well,this will help to ensure that the dough doesn't bubble up as it bakes.With the oven at 450 degrees,bake the pie shell(lined with tin foil,and pressed down with dry beans or pie weights),for about 7 minutes.If using a pre-made pie shell,follow baking directions on the package.After 7 minutes,turn the oven temperaure down to 325 degrees,and prepare filling.

   Okay,so whatever dough you choose to use,once it is fitted into the pie plate you are ready for the filling.Here it is:
  3 beaten eggs
  1-1/2 c. milk
  1/4 tsp.salt
  1/8 tsp. pepper
  1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar(I used white & yellow)
  1 tbsp. flour
   1 crown of broccoli,chopped(as much as you think you will like)
  1 large onion,sliced

Saute the onion in about 1 tbsp of butter,until it is tender.Add the broccoli.Saute a few minutes more.Set aside.Mix the cheddar cheese & flour together.(This will prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom of the quiche)Mix together the cheese,eggs,salt & pepper,broccoli/onion mixture and the milk.Remove foil from the pie shell.Add this mixture to the pre-heated pie shell,and bake for approximately 40 minutes.Let cool slightly.Slice and enjoy!

    ***Extra tip: the crust of pie dough tends to cook quickly and can easily burn.To prevent this,either line the top of the dough with foil,or use what is known as a pie crust shield,available in most kitchen supply stores for less than $10.They can also be found at http://www.amazon.com/.