Recipe: Basil and Mozzarella Balls Tian (serves 2)

BASIL AND MOZZARELLA BALLS TIAN

"A tian is similar to a quiche, but it doesn't have a crust and is unmolded onto a plate. In this version the mozzarella balls provide small bursts of flavor Marinated goat cheese balls would also be very good. This tian is slightly smaller than a standard quiche and so is the perfect size for two when you don t want leftovers."



5 large eggs
2/3 cup light cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 basil leaves, sliced
6 oil-packed and herb-marinated mozzarella balls
1/4 red bell pepper, fresh or roasted, sliced

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a 1 1/2-quart (about 7 inches round) ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and cream for 1 minute. Stir in the salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Pour into the baking dish.

Spoon the mozzarella balls out of the oil, drain briefly in a mesh sieve, and then distribute them evenly across the tian. Arrange the sliced peppers over the egg mixture.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is set and the edges begin to brown. Use a flexible spatula to loosen the tian from the dish. Invert onto a plate and then invert once more onto a serving dish.

Makes 2 servings
Source: The Farmstead Egg Cookbook by Terry Golson