ASPARAGUS QUICHE

• 1 pound asparagus, cleaned, trimmed (rough ends either peeled or thrown out) and cut into 1" pieces

• 1/2-cup butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (or pimento)

• 3/4-teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1/4-teaspoon pepper

• 1/2-teaspoon tarragon

• 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

• Prepared basic quiche custard

Sauté in butter: the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and seasonings.

Add prepared asparagus and cool until tender. Fill one pre-baked 9" quiche shell and top with grated cheese. Pour prepared custard over filling. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is golden brown. One 9" quiche will provide 6-8 wedges.

TO HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY: I suggest placing a piece of foil directly under the quiches to catch any seepage.