Friendly Ham & Swiss Frittata

Easier than scrambled eggs!

Frittatas don't get the appreciation they deserve. People sit in in little French bistros or a neighborhood breakfast spot and wax poetic about eating omelettes or quiche. Those two egg dishes are the sexy sisters with bright red lipstick constantly wanting you to recognize their awesomeness. The frittata is their hardworking yeomen relative from Italy. It's quiche without the crust. An omelette without the fancy pan-toss.

Let me give you several reasons why you may want to consider a speed date with a friendly, frugal frittata:

1. It's approachable -- less hassle to create than either an omelette or a quiche.

2. It' doesn't crave attention like it's high maintenance kinfolk. No hovering and stirring constantly like you would with even scrambled eggs.

3. It's good anytime and makes great leftovers.

4. It feeds a crowd easily.

5. It's not picky about the temperature and good to eat hot, cold or warm. Who wants to eat a cold omelette or scrambled eggs?

6. It's carb friendly version of quiche.

7. It plays nicely with others and loves leftovers.

"It's quiche without the crust. An omelette without the fancy pan-toss."

Now, let's get to the basics of what makes a great frittata -- eggs, half and half and cream, a dash of nutmeg. That's it. Put it all in a bowl and blend well with a fork. A whisk is optional!

Then like jazz, you can improvise.

The one I made here included chunks of ham and nutty Swiss cheese. But the combinations are endless. I try to make one every weekend. Then during the week my husband puts a

slice on a plate and heats it up for a quick breakfast.

We have chickens, so it makes good use of the eggs we get.

When I have company, frittatas are my go-to breakfast or brunch. I can have it in the oven in 10 minutes and ready to eat 40 minutes later.

It serves 6 easily. Serve with fresh fruit, a light salad, a French baguette or croissant or toast and jam.

If you want another frittata, try our our Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Frittata.

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Friendly Ham & Swiss Frittata

5 eggs

1 c half & half

1 c whipping cream

1 c diced ham

1 c Swiss cheese grated

¾ t salt

½ t pepper

½ t nutmeg

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Coat pie pan lightly with cold butter, olive oil or bacon drippings.

2. Crack eggs in a medium bowl and beat with a fork.

3. Add cream, half and half, nutmeg, salt, pepper. Mix with a fork again.

4. Spread ham and grated Swiss evenly into pie plate.

5. Then pour egg mixture pour in pie plate.

6. Place in oven's middle rack and cook for 40 minutes until just set, puffed and golden. (It will continue to cook slightly when it comes out of the oven.) It will also fall some before serving.

7. Cut in pie wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.