1 1/2 cups half and half – or – 1 cup cream and 1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper
5 oz grated cheese – mix of swiss and some other melty cheese (cheddar, Jarlsberg, gouda, etc)
1 tbs butter for top
add-in: 1/2 cup bacon or ham – or – 1-10oz pkg of frozen spinach, warmed and drained – or – sauté 1/2 lb of mushrooms in a little butter until they release their water
Directions
Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Roll out pie shell to fit 9.5″ pie plate. Place in pie plate under sheet of aluminum foil. Add pie weights (or dried beans, etc). Prebake shell at 400 degrees for 9 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare add-in (for spinach, microwave until warm, drain, sauté with butter, salt and pepper for 5 minutes or until drier).
Remove pie weights, prick the bottom with a fork, and return to oven for 3 minutes. Should be faintly colored.
Add eggs, milk, and cheese to a bowl and mix with a fork (stuff gets stuck in a whisk). Add spinach or other add-in once it has cooled for a bit.
Pour filling into partially baked shell. Scatter 1/2 tbs of butter in small chunks over the filling. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until done. The top of the filling should be slightly golden and the middle should be almost firm. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15-30 minutes before enjoying.
