Paige’s Quiche

Set a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter. Fry the onions in the skillet, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add the red and green bell peppers and continue to cook until the onions are deep golden brown, at least another 5 to 10 minutes (maybe longer). Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and press it into a large, fluted, deep tart pan (or a deep-dish pie pan). 

Whip the cream, eggs and some salt and pepper in a large bowl, then mix in the cheese, ham and onion-pepper mixture. Pour into the pie crust.

Put the pan on a rimmed baking sheet, cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes longer. (The quiche will still seem slightly loose, but will continue to set once removed from the oven.) Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.

If using a tart pan, remove the quiche from the pan. Cut into slices with a sharp serrated knife and serve!

In a large bowl, gradually work the shortening and butter into the flour with a pastry cutter until it resembles a coarse meal, 3 to 4 minutes. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork and pour it into the flour/shortening mixture. Add the cold water, white vinegar and salt. Stir together gently until the ingredients are incorporated.

Separate the dough into 2 pieces and place each piece into a large ziptop bag. Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each ball of dough into a disc (about 1/2 inch thick) to make rolling easier later. Seal the bags and place them in the freezer until you need them. If you will be using the dough immediately, it’s still a good idea to put it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to chill.

The dough can be wrapped in plastic wrap for storage; it will keep up to a week in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.