Ingredients:

• Pastry

  • 1 ½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) salt
  • ½ cup (125 mL) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) ice-cold water (approx.)

• Filling

  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup (175 mL) 18% light cream
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) milk
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) each salt and pepper
  • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 tsp (20 mL) finely chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

Pastry

• Whisk flour with salt until combined; using pastry blender or your fingertips, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk the egg with water using a fork; stir it into the flour mixture until the dough comes together, adding 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) more water if needed.

• Shape into a ball, then flatten into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured work surface, roll out pastry into a 12-inch (30 cm) round, about 1/4-inch (5 mm) thick. Fit into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan, pressing into the bottom and sides; trim and discard excess pastry. Press the edge with a fork or flute with fingers. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork. Line with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake in the bottom third of the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Filling

Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, salt and pepper. Stir in cheese, bacon, and chives; pour the mixture into the crust. Bake in the centre of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until filling is set but still jiggles slightly in the centre. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing; serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 8 servings.

Notes

• Substitute Swiss or Cheddar for Gruyère cheese if desired.

• Alternatively, use store-bought pastry instead of making it.

• Add sautéed onion, leeks or shallots to filling if desired.

Nutrients per serving:

Calories: 350
Carbohydrate: 19g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 380mg
Fibre: 1g