Mushroom and Heirloom Tomato Quiche

This recipe is part of a six course brunch.

I don't think you can ever go wrong with quiche. It's another recipe that's super customizable and a great addition to the brunch table.

The only thing challenge with quiche is that there is a risk it will end up tasting bland. How do you avoid that? Make sure you season the egg mixture in addition to your filling well; it will make a huge difference!

If you're tired of omelettes, scrambled, or fried eggs, quiche is a great way to add different flavours and textures while getting your dose of protein and egg differently, with the addition of a delicious buttery, flaky pastry, of course. I used puff pastry because I like the extra flakiness, but you can still use regular pie crust. I also used coconut milk as a non-dairy alternative.

Add this recipe to your brunch spread, weekday breakfast repertoire (go crust-free and use a muffin tray), or any time you have folks over for lunch and need a light fare - you can serve it with a light side salad.

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet, thawed (10 minutes before baking)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms

1/4 cup corn (canned or fresh from the cobb)

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon spice for rice (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)

2 shallots, diced

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon fenugreek powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 large heirloom tomato, thinly sliced

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

4 eggs

1/2 cup coconut milk

Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a non-stick pan, heat the olive oil and saute the mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, spices and herbs; cook for 1-2 minutes to bring the flavours out. Add the fresh garlic, bell pepper, and scallions; cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables.

Deglaze the pan with soy sauce, then add the corn. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then a set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, spice for rice, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until well combined.

Place the puff pastry into a 9-inch pie dish. Since the puff pastry is square, you can trim the edges or fold them slightly. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the pastry, followed by the tomato slices.

Pour the egg mixture on top, garnish with some additional dried and fresh basil if you please, and bake for 30 minutes at 350F or until the eggs are set - they should no longer jiggle if you move the pan around.

Sprinkle a little more parmesan on top, cool for about 10 minutes, and serve warm.

Blueberry and Lemon Curd French Toast

This recipe is part of a six course brunch.

I promise you won't regret this! Best French toast recipe ever, especially if you love blueberries, citrus flavours, and well the both of them combined!

The lemon really does bring out the best in berries and quite literally deepens the colour of the blueberries; that dark rich hue is courtesy of your friendly springtime citrus fruit.

Honestly, when it comes to my favourite brunch items, French toast is pretty high up on the list. You can do so much with it, but at the same time, it offers this classic taste and comforting feeling that I will never get tired of.

The lemon curd enhanced mixture and filling along with the blueberry compote screams spring and will wow you and your guests. The tartness and subtle sweetness from the berries and lemon are mellowed out by the cream and eggs and come together nicely. Enjoy and tag me if you make it to see how it goes!

Ingredients

Blueberry compote:

1/2 cup blueberries

1 teaspoon lemon zest + extra for garnish

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

French toast mixture:

2 eggs

1/4 cup lemon curd

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

2 tablespoons coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons lemon curd

1/4 cup whipped cream (I used almond-milk based)

Fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

In a long dish, whisk the eggs, milk, lemon curd, vanilla, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Melt the butter and cool, then add to the mixture. (If the mixture seems too thick, add a little almond milk to thin it out).

In a small saucepan, bring the blueberries, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar to a boil. Reduce the temperature and simmer on medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye, as this can burn quickly! Once the berries have started to break down, and the mixture has thickened into a thin jam-like consistency, set aside.

Prepare your toast! Lay the bread slices spaced out in the dish to absorb the egg mixture, about 10 seconds per side, making sure each face is evenly coated. Place the slices into an oil sprayed, non-stick pan on medium heat. Cook until golden on each side, about 3 minutes each, Again, keep a close eye, so you don’t burn anything. Set the prepared toast aside.

In a small bowl, mix the whipped cream and lemon curd.

Now assemble your French toast when ready to serve. On one slice (2 per person), smear a tablespoon (or less) of the whipped mix, followed by the same amount of compote, then place the second slice and repeat. For the top slice, garnish with a bit of extra lemon zest and mint leaves.

Serve and enjoy! This recipe serves two people, so double for four and so on.