Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer has arrived early

This is my usual morning pick before I go off to work.  With the weather less wet and a lot more warm now, we have 90 degrees in the afternoons, my strawberries are ripening as fast as we can eat them. I have never had strawberry shortcake 3 times in one week before. I am NOT complaining.  Now I will save the rest for Jam!
Asparagus is coming in nicely, although it was slowed down with the drought last year.  Its like we are back to picking for the first year instead of the second full spring of picking. I will freeze a bit too, to have for the winter.  Especially since I have found a fantastic and delicious way to make Quiche that has been one of my favorites this spring.  It would be great in winter too.

French Herb Cheese & Asparagus Quiche:
1 pastry crust, cooked in a 9 inch pie pan
1/2 cup French Herb cheese (see recipe below)
1/2 pound of asparagus, cut in 2" pieces and blanched until soft  .
6 eggs
1 cup cream
salt & pepper to taste
Place cooked asparagus pieces in bottom of crust.
Combine eggs in a bowl and whip by hand while counting to 80. Add salt & pepper to taste.  Pour eggs into pan, over asparagus.  Drop small dollops of French herb cheese (about 1 tbsp. in size) in  egg mixture until distributed evenly.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Check that crust does not get too brown, cover with foil if needed.
The French herb cheese gets bubbly and delicious.  I serve this with a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.  Outstanding but light. Oh and a glass of chardonnay too, of course.

French Herb Cheese (borrowed from one of my favorite cookbooks) Beyond Parsley by KC Junior League. Fabulous book.  If you ever see a copy, pick it up. Timeless and classy recipes.
1 8oz. pkg cream cheese
6 tbsp. softened butter
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 dash of Tabasco or other hot sauce.
(I add 1 tbsp. minced fresh chives as well)
Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Chill remaining cheese for another time.


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