Bacon and Swiss Quiche

Makes 10 to 12 servings

½     recipe Pâte Brisée (recipe follows)
8      ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
1      small shallot, finely chopped
1      cup half & half
4      large eggs
        pinch kosher salt
        pinch freshly ground black pepper
1     cup finely shredded Gruyère cheese
       (or another similar Swiss cheese)
1     tablespoon thinly sliced chives

Nutritional information per serving
(based on 12 servings):Calories 283 (72% from fat) • carb. 8g • pro. 11g
fat 23g • sat. fat 12g • chol. 120mg • sod. 571mg calc. 76mg • fiber 0g

1. Preheat oven to 350°F with one rack in the
lower position and one rack in the middle
position.
2. Roll out the rested pâte brisée dough and
fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with removable
bottom. Prick the bottom and sides of
the dough with the tines of a fork, being
sure to not pierce the dough all the way
through. Line the dough with foil, and
then weigh it down with pie weights (dried
beans or rice work just as well). Place
the tart pan in the lower position of the
preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes,
or until the dough no longer looks wet.
Carefully remove the foil with weights and
then move the shell to the middle rack for an
additional 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Remove and allow to cool completely
before filling.
4. In a medium to large skillet, cook the diced
bacon until browned and crispy. Remove
and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate
to drain excess oil. Remove all but 1
tablespoon of the bacon grease and then
return the skillet to the stove. Set over
medium-low heat and then add the shallot.
Sauté until softened. Remove and allow to
cool slightly.
5. Put the half & half, eggs, salt, and pepper
into a medium mixing bowl. Mix on Speeds
2 to 3 until completely combined, about 1
minute; you want to be sure there are no
flecks of egg yolk.
6. Place the cooled tart pan onto a rimmed
baking sheet (this will make it easier to
transfer to the oven). Sprinkle the bacon
and shallot evenly on the bottom of the
blind-baked tart shell. Pour the half & half/
egg batter over the bacon and shallot
and then top with the shredded cheese.
Sprinkle the chives on top of the cheese.
7. Carefully place the filled shell on the pan
onto the middle rack of the preheated
oven. Bake until it is just set around the
edges, but still a little jiggly in the center,
about 20 to 22 minutes.
8. Remove and allow to cool slightly before
slicing and serving.