Ham and Cheese Christmas Quiche

Crust
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled butter
2 - 3 tablespoons cold water

Filling
1 cup cooked ham, diced
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups light cream
1/8 cup chopped onion
1/8 cup red and green bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
salt & black pepper to taste

Make crust in a large bowl by mixing the flour and salt together. Use a pastry blender or 2 knives, to cut in the butter until coarse crumbs form.

Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time and toss with a fork until dough forms. Shape into a disk, place in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375*. Put dough disk on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 11 inch circle. Place into a 9 inch pie pan and trim the edge to form an edge. Prick dough with a fork, line with foil and fill the pie with dried beans or weights. Bake 10 minutes. Remove foil and weights. Return crust to oven and bake until lightly golden for about 5 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool.

Prepare filling in a large bowl. Whisk eggs with cream and seasonings. Add the ham, onion, peppers and cheese. Mix well and pour into the cooled pie shell.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden and filling is set.

Serve warm.

This is great with a small salad and warm rolls for a light lunch or add fresh fruit and a muffin to your plate for brunch.

Makes 6 - 8 servings