SPINACH & GOAT CHEESE QUICHE

SPINACH & GOAT CHEESE QUICHE

Winter is here which means my garden has stopped growing tomatoes. I had a full batch leftover of the last few tomatoes grown so I've been integrating them into many of my recipes.

A quiche is one of those simple yet elegant dishes that can be easily prepared with numerous ingredients for a fancy breakfast or quick dinner. It's also a great way to use leftover ingredients. I had a few ounces of goat cheese leftover, my tomatoes, & a tart shell in the freezer. Some other great ideas for a tart shells can be a ham, broccoli, & cheese quiche or even a seafood tart.

INGREDIENTS

1 tart shell (frozen, pre-made or homemade)

4 eggs

1 cup chopped spinach

1/2 cup arugula

2 oz goat cheese

chopped cherry tomatoes

salt & black pepper to taste

METHOD

Thaw tart shell as directed.

Chop spinach & cherry tomatoes. In a bowl, whisk eggs together & add spinach.

Using a fork, pierce the tart shell & bake at 300 degrees for 5 mins on the middle rack.

Add egg mixture & bake for 15 mins. Once the quiche is half baked, top with goat cheese & chopped cherry tomatoes.

Broil on low heat for 15 mins & top with salt & black pepper to serve with a side of arugula.

XO

Kiran & THE BLANK PLATE

FRESH TOMATO-BASIL SALAD

I was walking though the fruit & vegetable aisle and found the most plump tomatoes in these dramatic, bold colors. I immediately thought of a caprese salad. The pairing with the fresh basil  leaves also gave me a slight taste of summer.

Finding in-season fresh ingredients during the cold winter months is considered lucky so I had to do these tomatoes justice and enjoy them raw.

This fresh salad is light yet rich, the drizzle of olive oil & balsamic vinegar counter acts the sweet tomatoes and the basil gives the dish a spicy herby bite.

INGREDIENTS

5-6 colored tomatoes

2 mini vine tomatoes

2-3 buffalo mozzarella balls (mozzarella can be replaced with fat-free cottage cheese for a dairy restricted diet)

arugula

basil

olive oil

balsamic vinegar (optional)

black pepper

sea salt

METHOD

Slice the tomatoes into slices. Arrange in a plate. Top with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, arugula, black pepper, & sea salt. Drizzle with olive oil & balsamic vinegar & enjoy.

XO

Kiran & THE BLANK PLATE