A quiche brings out the best of the humble leek. Sautéed in butter until tender, bathed in a mixture of eggs, milk, cream and a pinch of nutmeg, piled into a savory crust and topped with grated cheese, the leek goes from peasant status to nobility. And the best part is that this quiche is very easy to prepare, especially if – as I did on a lazy Sunday (I blush) – you use store-bought puff pastry (puff pastry) instead of making the crust from scratch…
Leek quiche / Leek quiche
Okay, I admit it. A homemade savory tart (shortcrust pastry) is far superior. And it’s not particularly difficult to produce. The key is to have the butter at room temperature when you start. Well, last Sunday I was in a hurry and the butter was stone cold. So I went to the supermarket and got the shortcrust pastry, making sure to buy a “pur beurre” (pure butter) variety instead of one made with vegetable shortening.
Quiche can be a meal on its own, accompanied by a salad, for example, in autumn, a salad of roasted pears with parmesan or a salad of lettuce and beetroot. It can also be served as a starter for a more elaborate meal, followed perhaps by stuffed squash (a great recipe, by the way) or roast chicken, duck or beef and autumn vegetables, and for dessert perhaps a Tarte Tatin (upside down apple) . down tart) or walnut tart.
These days I’m thinking about autumn menus since two big birthdays are approaching in these parts: my daughter is turning 25 and I’m turning… well… it’s such an unlikely number that I won’t bother saying it. For her birthday dinner, my daughter requested foie gras followed by boeuf bourguignon and celeriac and potato puree, with a pavlova (meringue topped with cream and fresh fruit) for dessert (recipe coming soon). As for me, I choose a Ukrainian-Georgian theme: blini with homemade gravalax, Georgian guinea fowl, red bean salad with nuts, etc.
These consecutive events will be followed shortly by an election that could change the world. My European friends are waiting for the result. They fear that a certain candidate, if elected, will pull the United States out of NATO – breaking up the alliance that has defended Europe for 75 years – and withdraw from the Paris climate accords. Everyone wants to know how I think this vote will turn out. Dear reader, I’m as clueless as everyone else. All I can say is that I voted. You?
Good cooking.
