1/4cupfinely chopped peppered or smoked cooked ham
1tablespoonthinly sliced green onion or 1-1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh chives
1-1/2teaspoonsall-purpose flour
1/4teaspoonItalian seasoningcrushed
1/8teaspoonsalt
1/8teaspoonground black pepper
3eggsslightly beaten
1/2cuphalf-and-halflight cream, or milk
Fresh herb springssuch as basil, oregano or thyme (optional)
Instructions
Let pie crusts stand at room temperature according to package directions. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each piecrust into four equal sections (eight sections total). Press sections of piecrust onto the bottom and up the sides of eight, 4-inch fluted individual tart pans* with removable bottoms. Trim excess dough from top of pans.
Line each pastry shell with a double thickness of foil. Place pans on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 7 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 2 to 3 minutes more or until pastry is set and dry. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
In a medium bowl combine shredded Italian cheese blend, red sweet pepper, ham, green onion, flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Divide mixture evenly among pastry shells.
In the same bowl beat together eggs and half-and-half. Pour egg mixture over filling mixture in each pastry shell. Bake for 20 minutes or until filling is set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, top with a fresh herb sprig.
Makes 8 individual servings.
To make one large quiche: Line a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom with one piecrust (reserve remaining piecrust for another use). Line with double thickness of foil. Bake in 400 degrees F. oven for 7 minutes. Remove foil; bake 8 to 9 minutes longer or until pastry is set, dry and lightly browned. Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly in shell. Pour egg mixture over cheese. Bake in 325 degrees F oven for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.