Broccoli and Ham Quiche

The chunky filling of ham, broccoli, and Gruyère practically makes this quiche a one-dish meal.

For the crust

• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1 large egg yolk
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk
  
  

For the filling

• 
  
  8 large egg yolks
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup whole milk
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup grated Gruyère
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup bite-size broccoli florets, steamed
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup diced ham
  
  

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, thyme, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the Gruyère, broccoli, and ham over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Sweet Potato, Ham, and Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet potatoes and maple-glazed ham give this main-dish salad a chunky texture and sweet-salty flavor profile. Look for high-quality, all-natural ham steak for the best flavor and texture.

• 
  
  1 medium yellow onion, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. ham steak (preferably “ham with natural juices”), cut into 3/4-inch cubes (2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. pure maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  5 oz. mesclun salad mix
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. On the baking sheet, toss the onion, sweet potato, 2 Tbs. of the oil, 1 tsp. of the rosemary, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and spread in a single layer. Roast until the vegetables start to become tender, about 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, toss the ham with the maple syrup. Push the vegetables on the baking sheet aside to make room for the ham and bake until the ham and onions are browned in places, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the remaining 6 Tbs. oil with the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 tsp. rosemary, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the mesclun with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide the mesclun among 4 plates. Top with the roasted vegetables and ham. Sprinkle each salad with some of the goat cheese. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and serve.

Orecchiette with Ham and Peas in Cheese Sauce

In this dressed-up macaroni and cheese, orecchiette takes the place of tiny elbows, peas and ham add flavor and texture, and Grana Padano stands in for the usual Cheddar.

• 
  
  1 lb. orecchiette or other small shell pasta 
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup unsalted butter, more for the dish 
  
  


• 
  
  1 large shallot, finely diced (about 1/4 cup) 
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups whole milk, warmed
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups freshly grated Grana Padano
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. Tabasco
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. ham steak, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. olive oil
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and add the pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta well, and return the pasta to the pot.

Meanwhile, for the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium (3-quart) saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until it turns golden and smells nutty, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk in a slow, steady stream, and cook, whisking occasionally to avoid sticking on the bottom of the pan, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in all but 1/2 cup of Grana Padano, the thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the Tabasco. Stir the ham and peas into the sauce; taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Stir 1/4 cup of the pasta water into the béchamel so it loosens a bit and then toss with the pasta in the pasta pot. Add more pasta water as needed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake the pasta until it bubbles and browns around the edges, about 20 minutes (cover with foil if the top browns too quickly). Let cool for a couple of minutes and then serve.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Roasted Asparagus and Frisée Salad with Poached Eggs and Romesco Sauce

Thin slices of Serrano ham and warm poached eggs turn this Spanish-inflected spring salad into dinner: the runny yolk becomes a rich dressing for the delicate frisée  greens, and the Romesco sauce adds a nutty, sweet, and slightly spicy element. Be sure to serve this salad with crusty bread, to mop up the delicious oil on the plate.

For the Romesco sauce:

• 
  
  1 medium ancho chile, stem and seeds removed
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄2 cup peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; more for drizzling
  
  


• 
  
  One 1⁄2-inch thick slice white country-style bread, cut crosswise into 3 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1 piquillo pepper, or 1 medium red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, and seeded
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄2 cup blanched almonds or hazelnuts, or a combination, lightly toasted
  
  


• 
  
  2 cloves garlic, pounded to a smooth paste with a pinch of salt
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. Pimentón dulce, or sweet paprika; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄2 tsp. hot Pimentón, or cayenne; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. red-wine vinegar; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1-1⁄2 tsp. sherry vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

For the salad:

• 
  
  1⁄2 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  2-1⁄2 tsp. red-wine vinegar; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  24 medium to large asparagus spears
  
  


• 
  
  4 small handfuls frisée (pale center leaves), about 4 oz. total, washed and dried
  
  


• 
  
  4 eggs
  
  


• 
  
  4 to 8 thin slices Serrano ham or prosciutto, for serving (optional)
  
  

Make Romesco sauce:

Heat the broiler and position a rack in the top of the oven.

Put the ancho chile in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak until plump, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Put the tomatoes in a small baking dish, drizzle with a little oil, and place under the broiler until slightly charred, about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Warm a small (6-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, and add 1⁄2 cup of olive oil. When the oil is hot (the bread should just sizzle on contact), add the bread and reduce the heat to medium low. Gently fry the bread on both sides until crisp and golden. (You don’t want it too dark.) Remove the bread from the pan and drain on a paper towel.

In the work bowl of a food processor, put the chile, tomatoes, fried bread, piquillo pepper, nuts, and garlic. Pulse at first, then grind to a chunky paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add the sweet and hot paprika, both vinegars, and the remaining 1⁄4 cup of olive oil, and season with salt. Process again and taste; the sauce should be sweet (not too spicy) and nutty, with a nice balance of acidity. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to come together, then taste again and add more salt, vinegar, and/or a touch more spice if necessary.

Make the salad:

Put 1/2 cup of the Romesco sauce, 1/2 cup of the olive oil, and 1-1/2 tsp. of the vinegar in a small bowl and stir to combine (save the remaining Romesco sauce for another use; it keeps well in the refrigerator). Taste and add salt or vinegar if necessary. Set aside at room temperature.

Heat the oven to 450°F.

Grasp an asparagus spear with both hands and snap it in two; it will naturally separate at the point where the stalk becomes tender. Trim the remaining spears to the same length. Discard the tough bottom ends. If necessary, lightly peel about 2⁄3 of the spear with a vegetable peeler. (If the asparagus is very fresh and tender, this step is often unnecessary.)

Put the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining 2 Tbs. of olive oil, and toss to lightly coat. Spread out the asparagus to single layer and season with salt. Roast until just tender—it should still have a little bite—about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the spears. Set aside at room temperature.

Shortly before you are ready to serve, fill a straight-sided, heavy sauté pan with about 3 inches of water and bring to a simmer.
 

Meanwhile, scatter the frisée on a platter or individual plates, season lightly with salt, and arrange the asparagus spears on top.

Add the remaining 1 tsp. of vinegar to the simmering water. Crack the eggs, one at a time, into a teacup, and gently slide them into the water. Gently simmer the eggs until they are done to your liking, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon, and blot off any excess water with a clean, lint-free kitchen towel. (For a neater appearance, trim the eggs as well.) Prop the eggs on top of the asparagus and spoon the Romesco sauce on and around the salad. Drape the Serrano ham or proscuitto on the side, or arrange on a platter and pass at the table. Serve immediately.

Country Ham Relish

Served on crackers, endive leaves, or celery ribs, this sweet and salty relish makes an irresistible hors d’oeuvre. It’s also a delicious sandwich spread—try it on buttered whole wheat toast topped with sliced tomato and romaine lettuce leaves.

• 
  
  8 oz. country ham (uncooked or cooked), trimmed of most fat and diced (about 1-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup golden raisins
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut into 2 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. mayonnaise or sour cream; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. sweet pickle relish
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Scatter half of the ham in a layer in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, followed by half of the golden raisins. Repeat the layers with the remaining ham and raisins, and pulse until very few golden raisins remain whole, about fifteen 2-second pulses.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and dollop the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pickle relish evenly over the top. With a silicone spatula, blend the mixture until it’s combined well and spreadable. Adjust the texture with more mayonnaise, if desired, and season to taste with black pepper.

Tomato Bread with Ibérico

It is amazing how much flavor can be imparted by rubbing a slice of toast with a garlic clove and fresh tomato. This simple, classic Spanish snack is topped with the country's famous cured ham.

• 
  
  1/4 loaf crusty bread such as a baguette or ciabatta
  
  


• 
  
  2 garlic cloves
  
  


• 
  
  2 ripe tomatoes, cut in half
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 lb. thinly sliced Ibérico ham or Serrano ham
  
  


• 
  
  Extra virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Coarse sea salt
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Cut the loaf of bread crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown. Lightly rub the toasted bread with the garlic clove, then rub the tomato, cut side down, thoroughly into the toasts. Top the toasts with a couple of slices of Ibérico ham, drizzle the olive oil over the toasts, and season with a few flakes of coarse sea salt and pepper.

Ham, Egg, and Cheese Melt

An open-face ham and cheese sandwich topped by a fried egg makes a hearty breakfast or an excellent late-night snack. Tomato and lightly dressed arugula add brightness to complement all that gooey goodness.

• 
  
  4 3/4-inch-thick slices crusty country bread, preferably cut from the center of a round loaf
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup mayonnaise
  
  


• 
  
  12 very thin slices deli ham (about 6 oz.)
  
  


• 
  
  2 to 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 1-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  4 large eggs
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. baby arugula (about 6 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.

Spread each slice of bread with about 1 Tbs. mayonnaise and put on a baking sheet. Top each piece with 3 slices of ham and 2 or 3 slices of tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the cheese and bake until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread are light golden-brown, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until the foam subsides. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them sunny side up until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft, about 2 minutes. Toss the arugula with the oil and vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top each sandwich with an egg, season with salt and pepper, and serve with the salad.

Bourbon-Orange-Glazed Ham

Make this glazed ham the star of your crowd-friendly buffet. It's delicious warm or at room temperature and it makes great sandwiches, too. To give your guests that option, serve with biscuits (store-bought or homemade), horseradish cream spread, and orange-maple mustard.

• 
  
  3/4 cups high-quality orange marmalade
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup bourbon or dark rum
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 smoked half-ham, preferably a bone-in butt half (8 to 9 lb.), trimmed of skin and excess fat
  
  

In a medium bowl, mix the marmalade, maple syrup, mustard, bourbon or rum, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Brush the ham all over with 1/2 cup of the glaze and wrap loosely in foil. Put it on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the ham registers 125°F, 17 to 19 minutes per pound, for a total of 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours. (The ham will continue to rise in temperature during the glazing and resting.) Remove the ham from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425°F. Peel back the foil from the top and sides of the ham; brush the ham with 6 Tbs. of the glaze and return it to the oven. Bake, brushing the ham again after 5 and then 10 minutes, using 6 Tbs. more glaze each time, until the glaze is shiny and golden, about 20 minutes total (keep a close eye on the ham so that the glaze doesn't burn).

Remove the ham from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours before slicing.

Tomato Bread with Ibérico

It is amazing how much flavor can be imparted by rubbing a slice of toast with a garlic clove and fresh tomato. This simple, classic Spanish snack is topped with the country's famous cured ham.

• 
  
  1/4 loaf crusty bread such as a baguette or ciabatta
  
  


• 
  
  2 garlic cloves
  
  


• 
  
  2 ripe tomatoes, cut in half
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 lb. thinly sliced Ibérico ham or Serrano ham
  
  


• 
  
  Extra virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Coarse sea salt
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Cut the loaf of bread crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown. Lightly rub the toasted bread with the garlic clove, then rub the tomato, cut side down, thoroughly into the toasts. Top the toasts with a couple of slices of Ibérico ham, drizzle the olive oil over the toasts, and season with a few flakes of coarse sea salt and pepper.

Broccoli and Ham Quiche

The chunky filling of ham, broccoli, and Gruyère practically makes this quiche a one-dish meal.

For the crust

• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1 large egg yolk
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk
  
  

For the filling

• 
  
  8 large egg yolks
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup whole milk
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup grated Gruyère
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup bite-size broccoli florets, steamed
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup diced ham
  
  

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, thyme, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the Gruyère, broccoli, and ham over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Oven-Toasted Ham, Brie and Apple Sandwiches

To give this sandwich a substantial main-course feel, look for a thinly sliced ham steak rather than deli ham for a meaty flavor and texture. Creamy brie and crunchy tart-sweet apples complement the robust ham.

• 
  
  1 large baguette (about 1 lb.), cut into 4 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  7 oz. brie, most of the rind trimmed off and thinly sliced  (trim and slice the brie while it's cold)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges (about 1-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. ham steak, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. whole-grain Dijon mustard
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. honey
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  

Tip:

Look for a ham steak that’s labeled “ham in natural juices.”

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Split the baguette pieces lengthwise, open them up like a book, and top one side with the brie. Set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and bake until the cheese melts and the bread lightly browns, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large (12-inch) heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cook, tossing every minute or so, until they start to soften and brown in places, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ham and cook, gently tossing, until it warms. Remove from the heat and gently toss with the mustard, honey, and thyme until the ham and apples are evenly coated. Using tongs, distribute the ham mixture into the warm pieces of baguette, secure with 2 toothpicks, cut in half, and serve.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Baked Ham with Maple-Tea-Cardamom Glaze & Pan Sauce

• 
  
  1 half-ham, preferably bone-in (7 to 9 lb.)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup brewed tea (something basic like Lipton is fine)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup apple cider
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. cider vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbs. water
  
  

Bake the ham

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Trim away any skin and external fat to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Set the ham fat side up and score the fat 1/4 inch deep with diagonal slices every 2 inches so that it forms a cross-hatched diamond pattern.

In a medium bowl, combine the tea, cider and 1/4 cup of the maple syrup. Set the ham in a sturdy roasting pan or a baking dish. It should fit fairly snugly with only a couple of inches of space on any side. Add the tea-cider mixture, plus enough water to reach a 1/4-inch depth. Bake, adding water as needed to maintain 1/4 inch of liquid in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the ham registers 105° to 110°F, 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours (it should take about 15 minutes per pound).

Glaze the ham:

In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbs. of the maple syrup with the brown sugar and cardamom to make a thick, wet paste. Remove the ham from the oven and raise the temperature to 425°F. Add more water to the pan so the liquid is about 1/2 inch deep. Using a spatula or your fingers, smear the maple-brown sugar mixture generously over the top of the ham. Return the pan to the oven (even if it hasn't reached 425°F yet) and bake until the glaze on the ham bubbles and begins to darken, 10 to 15 min; the ham should have an internal temperature of 120° to 125°F.

Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a carving board or large platter. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you make the pan sauce. During this period, the ham's internal temperature should rise to 130° to 140°F.

Make the sauce:

Pour the pan juices into a gravy separator or a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any fat to rise and then pour or spoon off the fat and discard (some hams don't exude much fat).

Pour the pan juices into a 2-qt. saucepan, whisk in the remaining 2 Tbs. maple syrup and the vinegar, and bring to a boil. Taste the sauce, and if the flavor isn't as intense as you'd like, continue to boil to concentrate the flavors as desired.

Stir in about half the cornstarch mixture (called a slurry), and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 15 seconds. Add more of the slurry for a thicker sauce. Set aside and keep warm while the ham rests.

Baked Smithfield Ham with Bourbon, Honey, and Pecan Glaze

Hams dry-cured, hickory-smoked, and aged in and around Smithfield, Virginia, have been legendary since the days Thomas Jefferson and Queen Victoria ordered them special, and today there is still no more ceremonial ham for the formal buffet table. Lean, dark-colored, delicate, and richly flavored, a Smithfield is so beautifully processed that it can be sliced paper thin and served raw like prosciutto. On the other hand, when the ham is slowly baked, and then subjected to a luscious glaze such as this one with bourbon, honey, and pecans, the result is a culinary masterpiece. If you're truly offended by the saltiness in foods, you can soak a Smithfield for no longer than about six hours before baking it, but remember that you do so at the expense of distinctive flavor. Unlike other country hams, Smithfield ham is very rarely fried with red-eye gravy for breakfast in the South and is always served in thin slices.

• 
  
  One 12- to 14-lb. Smithfield ham
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups water
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup bourbon
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup apple juice
  
  


• 
  
  1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup ground toasted pecans
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup honey
  
  


• 
  
  1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  
  

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Scrub the ham well with a stiff brush under running water, position it on a rack in a large baking pan, add the water, cover, and bake for 2 1/2 hours, adding a little more water if necessary.

Meanwhile, combine the bourbon and apple juice in a saucepan and boil over moderately high heat till reduced to about 1/2 cup. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, honey, and cayenne and stir till well bended. Add the bourbon mixture and stir to form a paste.

Remove the ham from the oven and increase the heat to 400°F. Remove and discard the skin and all but about 1/2 inch of fat, score the surface in diamonds, and rub the paste evenly over the top and sides. Return the ham to the oven and bake, uncovered, till the surface has a glossy mahogany glaze, about 30 minutes.

To serve, let the ham stand out for about 30 minutes on a platter before carving into thin slices.

Learn more about James Villas' cookbook Pig: King of the Southern Table by reading Nadia Arumugam's book review from the June/July 2010 issue of Fine Cooking.

Baked Ham with Cherry-Pomegranate Glaze & Pan Sauce

• 
  
  1 half-ham, preferably bone-in (7 to 9 lb.)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cups pomegranate juice
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup cherry preserves
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup kirschwasser or other cherry liqueur
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup sweetened dried tart cherries
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbs. water
  
  

Bake the ham:

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Trim away any skin and external fat to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Set the ham fat side up and score the fat 1/4 inch deep with diagonal slices every 2 inches so that it forms a cross-hatched diamond pattern.

Set the ham in a sturdy roasting pan or a baking dish. It should fit fairly snugly with only a couple of inches of space on any side. Add 1 cup of the pomegranate juice, plus enough water to reach a 1/4-inch depth. Bake, adding water as needed to maintain 1/4 inch of liquid in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the ham registers 105° to 110°F, 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours (it should take about 15 minutes per pound).

While ham is baking, gently warm 1/4 cup of the cherry preserves in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir in the mustard and brown sugar to combine.

Brush with the glaze:

Remove the ham from the oven and raise the temperature to 425°F. Add more water to the pan so the liquid is about 1/2 inch deep. Using a large spoon or pastry brush, smear the glaze generously over the top of the ham. Return the pan to the oven (even if it hasn't reached 425°F yet) and bake until the glaze on the ham bubbles and begins to darken, 10 to 15 min; the ham should have an internal temperature of 120° to 125°F.

Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a carving board or large platter. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you make the pan sauce. During this period, the ham's internal temperature should rise to 130° to 140°F.

Make the sauce:

Pour the pan juices into a gravy separator or a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any fat to rise and then pour or spoon off the fat and discard (some hams don't exude much fat).

In a 2-qt. saucepan, combine the kirschwasser, dried cherries, and the remaining 1/4 cup pomegranate juice. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pan juices and the remaining 1/4 cup cherry preserves. Taste the sauce, and if the flavor isn't as intense as you'd like, continue to boil to concentrate the flavors as desired.

Stir in about half the cornstarch mixture (called a slurry), and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 15 seconds. Add more of the slurry for a thicker sauce. Set aside and keep warm while the ham rests.

Carve the ham, arrange on a platter, and serve with the sauce alongside. 

Broccoli and Ham Quiche

The chunky filling of ham, broccoli, and Gruyère practically makes this quiche a one-dish meal.

For the crust

• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (9 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1 large egg yolk
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. cold whole or 2% milk
  
  

For the filling

• 
  
  8 large egg yolks
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup whole milk
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup grated Gruyère
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup bite-size broccoli florets, steamed
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup diced ham
  
  

Make and blind bake the crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the flour is no longer bright white, the dough holds together when you press a clump with your fingers, and there are still flakes of butter the size of pecan halves throughout, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until there are pea-size pieces of butter throughout.)

In a small bowl, whisk the yolk and milk, then add it all at once to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a fork) until the dough barely comes together, 15 to 30 seconds in the mixer, longer by hand. The dough will look shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gather it into a mound. Starting at the top of the mound and using the heel of your hand, smear a section of the dough away from you, sliding it down the side and along the work surface until most of the butter pieces are smeared into the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough in sections.

With a bench knife, gather the dough together, flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick, and wrap it in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

On a well-floured work surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it over a 9- to 10-inch quiche dish, or a 9- to 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Without stretching it, press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Use scissors or a paring knife to trim the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang.

If using a quiche dish, fold the overhang into the dish and press the sides up to create an edge that’s about 1/4 inch above the rim of the dish. If using a pie plate, fold the overhang under itself and flatten it slightly to completely cover the rim of the pie plate. Crimp decoratively.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to relax before baking.

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a large rimmed baking sheet on it, and heat the oven to 350°F.

Crumple a 12-inch square of parchment, flatten it, then line the crust with it. Fill the crust to the top with dried beans, gently pressing them against the sides. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the edge is a deep golden-brown and the bottom no longer looks raw (carefully pull back the parchment to check; if using a glass pie plate, you can see if the underside is golden), 40 to 45 minutes; protect the edge with a pie shield or ring of foil if it’s getting too dark. Remove the parchment and beans (and pie shield if necessary) and cool on a rack to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the filling and bake the quiche

In a medium bowl or large liquid measure, whisk together the yolks, cream, milk, thyme, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Put the blind-baked crust on the rimmed baking sheet and scatter the Gruyère, broccoli, and ham over the bottom, being sure they are evenly distributed. Whisk the custard and slowly pour it into the crust, taking care not to shuffle the add-ins around too much.

Cover the edge of the crust with a pie shield or a ring of foil to keep it from browning too much. Carefully transfer the quiche on the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 325°F until the custard feels set to the touch in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. It should be golden-brown and slightly puffed and should not slosh when you jiggle it.

Let cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Or, for the best-looking slices, cool the quiche completely, then refrigerate, slice when cold, and reheat.