My quirky quiche!

My April British Bake Off Challenge is yet another thing I've never made before, but that I love to eat - quiche!

I will admit that I cheated a little because I was short on time and bought pastry - Paul and Mary would not approve!  It was very nice - but it was a bit dry, so I would reccommend making your own if you have time.  Also, I've adapted this recipe from the British Bake Off cook book.

First, I rolled my pastry out Mary style - she always says to put the bottom of your flan dish down, then roll pastry out about 4cm past the bottom, then gently fold pastry into the middle and drop the bottom back into the flan dish.  Then fold the edges back out, and press into the curves of the tin.  Prick the base and leave to chill for 20 mins.

Next, line the pastry base with baking parchment and fill with baking beans.  Preheat the oven to 180C and bake blind for 10-15 mins.  Then take the parchment and baking beans away and brush the pastry with some egg.  Bake for another 5 mins, then leave to cool.

While its cooling, make the filling:

Ingredients

• 250g baby spinach
• 200g new potatoes
• 3 large eggs
• 250ml double cream
• 25g grated parmesan
• a few chunks of feta (amount is personal choice)
• a few cherry tomatoes (halved)
• salt and pepper

Method

1. Wash and drain the spinach, then cook in a steamer until wilted.
2. Cook the new potatoes for 10 mins (I did them underneath the spinach to save space)
3. Chop the spinach finely and slice the potatoes into slices.
4. Whisk the eggs, then whisk in the double cream and parmesan.  Season with a little salt and pepper, and add the spinach.
5. Spread the potato slices on the bootom of the pastry and pour over the spinach/cream mixture.
6. Dot halves of cherry tomato and chunks of feta around the quiche to your taste.
7. Bake on a baking tray for 35-40 mins until golden brown and yummy (Watch out - it will leak EVERYWHERE!)









8. Cut a massive slice and enjoy with your choice of accompanying carbs and salad - you could make potato wedges, nice crusty bread or some lovely couscous :)