Fiddlehead and Goat Cheese Quiche
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Prep time: 
Cook time: 
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Serves: 8
 
Fiddleheads, or the furled fronds of the Ostrich fern, are foraged every spring. If not cooked thoroughly, they can make you sick. I tend to cook them a little less time than called for because I don't like mushy veggies. But for the sake of best-practice, this recipe ensures well-cooked fronds. Fiddleheads taste somewhere between an asparagus and a mushroom. If you can't find fiddleheads or if they're not in season, use slightly-threatened asparagus (whole or cut) or lightly-sauteed sliced wild mushrooms in place of the fern fronds.
Ingredients
  • 1 pie crust
  • 2 cups of fiddleheads (see note above)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
  1. To prepare the fiddleheads, trim the bottom stalks from the shoot. Once well-trimmed, rinse well, doing the best you can to rid them of the brown papery skins. Bring 6 cups of water and a healthy pinch of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add fiddleheads and boil for about 10 minutes. Drain fiddleheads in a colander and run under cold water to halt cooking. Note: it’s okay if the water you drain is a little brown. I’ve read it’s leeched iron.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Fit the pie crust in a 10 inch pie plate. Trim any overhanging dough and crimp the edge if you're feeling fancy. Note: if using a homemade pie crust, consider adding pie weights and baking for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is firm and lightly browned. This will make for a crispier quiche crust. If using store-bought, this step isn't necessary.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks. Add the milk, cream, and salt. Whisk until everything is well-combined.
  4. Spread fiddleheads along the bottom of the pie crust. Evenly sprinkle minced garlic over fiddleheads. Crumble goat cheese over the fiddleheads and garlic. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the goat cheese.
  5. Pour the egg and milk mixtures over the fiddleheads and goat cheese.
  6. Bake until the center of the quiche has set and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.
Recipe by Sense of Taste at https://sensetaste.com/fiddlehead-goat-cheese-quiche/