QUICHE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, CREAM CHEESE AND HERBS

Steps:

• Make the Pastry Shell.
• Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Add the pieces of butter and toss to coat with flour. With a fork or pastry cutter, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons cold water over the mixture and quickly stir with a fork just until a dough forms. Use the last tablespoon of water only if necessary. Gather up the dough with your hands and shape it into a disc. Cover the dough with plastic and chill for one to two hours.
• Preheat an oven to 475° F (240° C). On a floured pastry cloth, roll out the dough into a large circle and fit into a pie or tart pan. Trim and shape the edges of the pastry as desired. Prick the pastry all over with a fork and bake in the hot oven for about 7 to 8 minutes, just until the dough starts to set. Remove the shell from the oven and set aside.
• Prepare the Filling.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the onions. Add a pinch each of salt, pepper and sugar. Saute the onions over medium-low heat until tender and caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the parsley and chives and transfer the onions to a pre-baked pie shell. Break the cream cheese into small bits and scatter it over the onion mixture. (Also add any chopped meat, if using.).
• Bake the Quiche.
• Preheat the oven to ° F (190° C). In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork, then beat in the milk, cream and seasoning. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell and place in the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until set and nicely colored. Serve warm.