I love animals, especially horses. Back in the fall of 2008, I started volunteering at a rescue ranch named ‘Long Meadow Rescue Ranch,’ in Union, MO. It’s a wonderful place under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri, focused on the rehabilitation and adoption of horses and other farm animals that have been rescued from abusive or neglectful owners.
In addition to being able to being a part of the care and rehabilitation of those animals, I have had the privilege of getting to know several of the employees who work for the ranch, including a wonderful lady named Linda.
Linda owns several chickens that lay the most beautiful eggs. I have included a picture of a few of the eggs I recently purchased from her, to show you how naturally beautiful they are. I could hard-boil them as is and display them for Easter without even having to dye them!
When I brought those beautiful eggs home, I immediately thought of Meda and her Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Gruyère Quiche. I made it for breakfast this morning and it was wonderful!
The Enlightenment, Chapter 5 “….“Ah, another beautiful day,” Meda said happily as she emerged from the house, carrying a large tray. Placing the tray on the table, she added, “Perfect for breakfast on the patio!”
Sarah looked at the abundant assortment of fresh fruit, breads and other foods on the tray and replied, “My goodness, Meda! There are only two of us actually eating any of this food which looks amazing by the way! What is that heavenly smell?”
“It’s a quiche that Aubrey thought you might enjoy. It’s made with caramelized onions, cremini mushrooms and Gruyère cheese. She and I made breakfast together today,” Meda replied proudly as she cut two pieces from the dish, handing one to Sarah. “Besides, I rarely get a chance to cook for more than one person so I’m enjoying the opportunity to cook for someone else.”
Sarah placed the plate on the table in front of her, smiled appreciatively at Meda and Aubrey and said, “That was very thoughtful of you both, thank you!” She took a bite of the quiche and again, closed her eyes in contentment. “Oh, this is wonderful! The combination of the smoky, caramelized onions and the creamy Gruyère is perfect! You’ll have to give me this recipe!”…”
Meda’s Caramelized Onion, Mushrooms and Gruyère Quiche:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pound sliced Cremini, Shitake and Portobello mushrooms
- 4 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ¼ Teaspoon dry mustard
- 3 Large Eggs, yolk and whites separated
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Grated Gruyère cheese
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about eight to ten minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl.
3) Add the remaining two tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat over a medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released their water and begin to brown, about six to eight minutes. Add the onions back to the pan, stir in the salt, pepper, mustard and thyme.
4) Whisk together the eggs, egg whites and milk in a small bowl.
5) Spray a nine-inch pie dish with cooking spray and spread the mushroom-onion mixture into an even layer. Pour in the egg mixture and then top it with the Gruyère cheese.
6) Place the dish in the oven and bake it for thirty-five minutes or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7) Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for five minutes before cutting.
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