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StumbleUponPreparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes plus standing
You Will Need
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 cups water
Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
2/3 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
What to Do
1. Cut 2 in. from the top of each asparagus spear; set tops aside. Cut stem ends into 3/4-in. pieces. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the 3/4-in. asparagus pieces; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a 13-inch circle. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom; trim edges. Place the blanched asparagus, 1/3 cup cheese and parsley in crust. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, cream, salt, cayenne and nutmeg; pour into crust. Arrange asparagus tops over egg mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
3. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Serves 8
Nutrition facts: 1 piece equals 233 calories, 15 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 132 mg cholesterol, 326 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 8 g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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