Smoked Gouda & Mushroom Quiche

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 400°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Halve, peel, and medium dice the onion. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Grate the gouda on the large side of a box grater. Quarter, core, and thinly slice the pear. In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, half the vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Add the sliced pear; stir to coat. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes.

In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the mushroom pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Add the diced onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the remaining vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the liquid has cooked off. Turn off the heat.

Crack the eggs into a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water; season with salt and pepper. Beat until smooth. Add the cooked vegetables and half the grated gouda; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Place the pie crust on a sheet pan, leaving it in its tin. Add the filling. Top with the remaining grated gouda. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the filling is set and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let stand at least 2 minutes before serving.

Just before serving, add the arugula to the bowl of marinated pear. Gently toss to coat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the baked quiche with the salad on the side. Garnish the salad with the almonds. Enjoy!