Tag Archives: breakfast

No Fuss Crustless Quiche

During busy times of the year I enjoy making something that I can stretch out for a couple days. Something loaded with vegetables and flexible in ingredients. Quiche really fills the bill; but what if I don’t want to mess around with a crust? What if I want to lower the calorie count? The solution? Crustless quiche. You get the rich quiche flavor without the fuss of crust.

Quiches are versatile; whether served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Pair them with a green salad and they will easily serve 6 people. Leftover slices are can be reheated in the microwave or toaster oven. You can use various vegetables, cheese or protein such as leftover chicken, cubed ham or freshly fried bacon. Use the ratio of 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins to 3/4 cup cheese. Make sure you saute your vegetables ahead of time. Try broccoli, spinach or kale for veggies; I have even used caramelized onions. For cheese try Gruyere, fontina, sharp cheddar or mozzarella.

CRUSTLESS QUICHE

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup of chopped and sauteed broccoli rabe
  • 1/2 cup cubed ham
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced, both green and white parts, or 3 Tbsp fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a deep 9-inch pie dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Prepare any mix-ins. Saute needed vegetables, and shred cheese,
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt and pepper, mustard, nutmeg and green onions or fresh chives.
  4. Scatter the mix-ins evenly across the bottom of prepared pie dish.
  5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
  6. Carefully pour the egg mixture into the dish. Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
  7. Bake quiche until the center is set, about 35 minutes. It should look puffed and golden at the edges. There should be no visible liquid in the center.
  8. Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Cut into quarters or sixths. Serve warm.

“Kindness is not what you do, but who you are.” –Raktivist

Change Happens

I initially started my blog Twisted Basics in response to a health crisis I experienced in 2014.  I thought I was a healthy person; after all, we run a 5.5 acre organic vegetable farm.  Yet I was facing serious gastro-intestinal issues resulting in a blood transfusion, upper GI, colonoscopy and small bowel endoscopy. All these tests proved negative. I also began dextrose iron infusions for chronic anemia.  Since then, I’ve continued to experience fatigue so extreme that I couldn’t live my normal life.  I chose to become gluten-free even though it was determined I was not celiac or wheat sensitive. This choice improved my mental fog, but did nothing for my energy level.

My iron infusions were lasting 60-90 days, where normally they were expected to last 6 months.  Clearly I was still bleeding somewhere.  Several weeks ago I had another upper GI where it was discovered that I had Cameron Lesions on my hiatal hernia.  These lesions are ulcerated tissue and linked to anemia and bleeding.  I was placed on Prilosec and referred to a surgeon.  I could not tolerate the Prilosec due to several side effects.  I became concerned whether or not I would ever get my quality of life back.

After meeting with the surgeon, I have decided to have my hiatal hernia surgically corrected.  There are many approaches for handling gut-health and anemia. With my continued blood loss, diet alone was not enough. Using a combination of traditional and alternative approaches, seems to be the right course for me at this time.  So continues my journey of healing;  which was never simply my physical being, but also my emotional and spiritual self.  Although I have always believed we are what we eat, it is equally important to feed all things that make Kim, Kim.  After surgery I will be on a liquid diet, phasing into a soft diet.  Some dietary changes will be permanent, like portion size and small mouthfuls.  I also realized it was time to face the fear that I can make permanent dietary changes and still be creative and satisfied.  I feel fortunate to love all things fruit and vegetable.  I’m the sort of personality that hates hearing the word: “No!”  I can certainly live with this if I can get my energy and the quality my life back.

We have purchased a juicer and already have a Vita-mix.  That’s when Val and I decided there was no time like the present and have started to juice, smooth and soup our way to health.  Hang in there with me, this particular change is temporary.  Having said that, you will be seeing recipes for all things liquid or smooth.  I did ask the surgeon if Irish whiskey was a viable liquid!

So let’s start this journey with a delicious smoothie shall we?  What I can’t stand is boring food!!  So to that end I will do my best to create interest in all things healthy.  Wish me luck!!

Delicious anytime!

Delicious anytime!

My Go To Smoothie:

  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water, coconut water or almond milk
  • 1 handful spinach or romaine
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 Medjool dates

Blend all ingredients in order listed in a high-speed blender.  Yield: Approximately 12 ounces

“Life is change.  Growth is optional.”

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