Spinach and Ham Quiche

The quiche is the ultimate culinary chameleon. Not only can you make it with dozens of different flavor combinations, but it's also as good for breakfast with a cup of coffee as it is for dinner with a glass of red wine. Plus, between the eggs, the cooked ham, and the shredded cheese, this spinach and ham quiche is protein-packed for your morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen pie shell, thawed and pricked with a fork
• 1⁄2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 bunch spinach, washed, dried, and stemmed
• 2 oz smoked ham, cut into 1⁄4-inch cubes
• 1⁄2 cup shredded Swiss cheese, such as Gruyère
• 4 eggs
• 3⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄4 cup half-and-half
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. When hot, place the pie shell on the middle rack and bake for about 8 minutes, until lightly toasted, but not browned.
2. While the oven heats and the shell bake heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds, then add the spinach.
3. Cook for 5 minutes, until the spinach, is fully wilted. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ham, cheese, eggs, milk, half-and-half, and spinach, squeezing the spinach thoroughly before adding to purge any excess water.
4. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the warm pastry shell.
6. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the quiche has browned lightly on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.