Join Login Search
For Electric Cooperative Members
For Electric Cooperative Members

Flaky Butter Crust (see below)
8 leeks, white portions only
4 slices thick-cut apple wood-smoked bacon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Prepare tart shell according to recipe on next page. Roll out dough to an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and trim edges. Refrigerate in pan at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut leeks in half lengthwise and then crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half circles. Place in bowl and rinse well in two changes of water. Drain. Line pastry with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until crust is set, about 12 minutes. Remove paper and weights and bake until golden brown, about another 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

In medium skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp and fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Add butter to remaining fat in pan. When foamy, add drained leeks, garlic, salt, pepper and nutmeg and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until leeks are very soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Combine eggs and cream in medium bowl and whisk well. Add bacon, Parmesan and Gruyère and whisk well. Add leeks and whisk to combine. Pour into prepared tart shell and bake until risen and golden brown, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on rack at least 20 minutes before serving.

Servings: 8. Serving size: 1 slice. Per serving: 365 calories, 9.4 g protein, 22.6 g fat, 28.2 g carbohydrates, 2.2 g dietary fiber, 550 mg sodium, 117 mg cholesterol

Flaky Butter Crust
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons ice water, or more as needed

For food processor: Combine flour, butter and salt in food processor. Pulse 10 seconds, then add ice water. Pulse quickly 5 or 6 times until dough comes together. Remove dough and place on floured surface. Using hands, work dough into ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before using.

To make by hand: Combine flour, butter and salt in medium bowl and mix with pastry knife or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add water, 1 tablespoon at time, and mix until dough comes together and is no longer dry, taking care not to overmix. Form into ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before using.

For both preparations, roll out on lightly floured surface as directed in recipe, then allow to rest again in refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Cindy Haenel