Our time of penny pinching and frugal living is upon us but I am determined that even though things are going to be tight, we can still eat heavenly food. I will call this series Gourmet on a Budget. Hence the hot dogs in a classic dish like quiche. I was out of turkey bacon, Reg does not eat pork but I had chicken hot dogs. I thought, why the hell not? Who else has ever made a hot dog quiche before? It was time!
Ingredients (get PDF here)
This recipe makes 2 crusts
2 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup cold cubed butter
1/4-1/2 ice water
In a food processor, pulse flour, salt and sugar. Add shortening and butter, pulse until it looks like coarse meal. Drizzle with some of the ice water. Pulse until it comes together. If it is too dry, add more water. Divide dough in half, shape into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Put in fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll dough out on lightly floured surface so it will fit your baking vessel.
I like to use my rolling pin to move the dough over to the baking vessel.
Press dough to fit and remove excess. Pierce bottom with fork. Chill for a few minutes
Bake in a preheated 375F oven covered with parchment paper and filled with pie weights (I use old brown rice) for 30 minutes. Remove parchment and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Cool for a few minutes before adding filling.
I picked up some Maple Leaf Natural Selections Chicken Hot Dogs a while ago thinking it would be a good economical way to add protein to our diets.
To make them a little more special I “caramelized” them by sautĂ©ing 4 sliced hot dogs until browned. Cool.
I used what I had in my almost-empty-fridge to make the veggies for the filling.
Saute 1 cup chopped broccoli and 1 cup mushrooms. Add 1 sliced shallot and 1 minced clove of garlic. Saute 2-3 minutes. Cool.
Whisk together 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, some freshly grated nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
Bake at 375F for 30 minutes and let sit for 10.
Foodie Results
OK, even I thought I was a bit crazy when I came up with this idea but turns out? I am a genius! It was absolutely delicious. In fact Reg took one bite and quickly asked, with bated breath, “Is there more?” Was he ever happy when I said yes. He inhaled the quiche to then run up the stairs and get more. I especially loved the sharp tang of the old cheddar juxtaposed with the small bites of cream cheese. Divine.
It was also delicious the next day. The hot dogs just tasted like smoked meat in there which was a great bacon substitute for us and really added some “pow” to a traditional quiche. My first Gourmet on a Budget recipe was a success! Which is good because right now I can not really afford any failures.
Very very fun. That’s the same thing I’m doing as well. Making pennies stretch with home baked goodies.
I do a hot dog rolled in dough that man alive, is so simple but really fun with a side of screamin’ fries.
Happy New Week to you.
I love that you’re doing that THW, home baked goods are one of the best ways to make you feel rich. Oh man, that hot dog in dough sounds awesome!!! 🙂 Happy Next Week to you too.
I forget. Did I ask you already if you have an Aldi? If you do, they have some killer deals on produce. This week it’s mushrooms for 70p a box and celery, I believe the same.
Yum!! Great recipe – bookmarking this one for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Chloe & Sarah
http://www.honeyandlulu.blogspot.com.au
I make a different quiche every week. Next one, I’m thinking uncured hot dogs with really good sauerkraut. Will use your cheddar addition. I think I’ll have to drain the kraut really well. Enjoyed reading about yours.