April 3, 2012

Caramelized Onion Pie for Easter Brunch {Powernap}

Onion Pie

This is the latest installment of my Powernap column. The series where I share quick, easy food that can be made for all kinds of situations. Powernaps are short and sweet, and so are these recipes. These are the things I make in a jiffy when I need a quick snack, am in the mood for a recipe experiment, or simply need to clean out the pantry.

When were cleaning out the fridge before our trip to Charleston I found a large bag of onions. This was not a surprise in the least, I always stock up on onions since I cook with them all the time. To use some up I decided to caramelize them and make a fresh version of our favorite vegetable pie. It seemed like the perfect thing to have on hand for the last few days before vacation. There is nothing easier to heat up in a pinch between loads of laundry and packing suitcases! I whipped up this easy pie while my daughter napped, then kept it in the fridge for a few days while we nibbled on a slice here and there until there was nothing left.

Recipe

Anytime Vegetable Pie

Ingredients

pie crust (in this case I used a Whole Foods frozen pie crust, but feel free to make your own if you have the time)
red pepper, chopped (or any other vegetable you feel like!
2 onions, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 eggs
1 c. half & half
2 c. Monterey Jack, shredded
1/3 c. Parmesan, grated, plus more for sprinkling
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350. Prepare pie crust in a 9″ pie dish according to directions.
    2. Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 20 minutes, or until the onions are completely caramelized.
    3. In a bowl mix eggs, half & half, monterey jack and parmesan.
    4. Add the caramelized onions to the egg mixture and combine.
    5. At this point I recommend adding salt & pepper to taste and perhaps seasoning it with any other herb that might be fresh at the time your making it.
    6. Pour mixture into prepared pie crust and sprinkle the thop lightly with parmesan cheese.
    7. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes.
    8. You can tell when the pie is done by making sure the center is set when you lightly jiggle the pan.

    Naptime Notes

    Naptime Recipe Serving ideas

    This recipe is a fast, easy brunch recipe that always delivers. Have fun making it with different vegetables!

    Naptime Stopwatch

    This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which includes pre-baking the pie crust. Once you pop it in the oven you only need to check on it one or two times, so you have plenty of time to do other things.

    Naptime Reviews

    A terrific pie for breakfast or dinner!

    More Naptime Recipes

    March 31, 2012

    Philadelphia Television & Babble Weekly Update

    March 30, 2012

    South Carolina Book Tour Events! {Tales from the Trenches}

    At the moment here are the Tales from the Trenches from my book tour! I have TWO awesome book tour events coming up in South Carolina this week and I hope you all can come.

    JMcLaughlin Charleston

    The first one is on April 4th from 3 -6 pm the JMcLaughlin store at 212 King Street. Invitation above! Everyone is welcome!

    The second is on April 5th from 3 – 5pm at the JMcLaughlin on Kiawah Island. Invitation above! Everyone welcome!

     

    For more book tour dates be sure to see my book page!

    March 29, 2012

    Citrus Cornmeal Cake with Lavender Glaze for Easter {Naptime Everyday}

    Cornmeal Cake

    Tomorrow we are off in a blaze of glory for our annual trip to Charleston. This year we are driving (!) which ought to be an adventure. My challenge for this venture is, of course, packing food suitable for a road trip. I have all the ingredients for my favorite summer sandwich set to go as well as a huge bag of Trader Joe’s snacks. I also am going to try and pack a cake to share with my parents when we arrive. They are so nice to host us (and babysit!) while we visit it is the least I can do. Also, they won’t be home for Easter this year so I want to bring a taste of Easter to them.

    March 27, 2012

    Naptime Chef Cooking Show with OXO: Artichoke-Lemon Pesto

    ALP TItle ScreenCome check out my newest video cooking series: The Naptime Chef Cooking Show with OXO makes Artichoke-Lemon Pesto

    March 27, 2012

    The Naptime Chef Cooking Show with OXO: Artichoke-Lemon Pesto

    Welcome to the second episode of The Naptime Chef Cooking Show!! This series of three cooking shows is made possible with support from OXO and features recipes from my new book. My first show featured my recipe for Couscous with Tomatoes & Arugula. This episode features my Artichoke-Lemon Pesto from my Side Dishes & Salads section and features the awesome OXO measuring cups, a great OXO citrus juice, and a handheld mandoline. The final cooking show in this series will be rolled out in two weeks will each have more giveaways for awesome OXO tools and my book. We’re also going to be having fun Facebook contests and Twitter parties so stayed tuned!

    3 Piece Cups Naptime Chef

    oxo dry measuring cups naptime chefOXO Citrus Naptime Chef

    OXO Naptime Chef

    To enter to win your very own Measuring Cups, Citrus Juicer, Handheld Mandoline and SIGNED copy of my book see below:

    1) Leave a comment sharing your favorite dish with artichokes!

    2) Like The Naptime Chef on Facebook.

    3) Like OXO on Facebook.

    4) Sign up for The Naptime Chef newsletter on the upper right hand side of my website.

    5) Contest runs from Tuesday, March 27th at 7:00am ET through Tuesday, April 3rd at 7:00am ET. Winner will be announced Wednesday, April 4th at 7:00am ET.

    6) Winner will be chosen by Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to claim her prize before another person is chosen.

    March 24, 2012

    Connecticut Style TV Appearance & Babble Update

    Lemon coconut squares with shortbread crust: wtnh.com

    Here I am above baking Coconut Lemon Bars on Connecticut Style this week!

    Also, here are some of my recent posts from Babble this week!

    9 Ways to Save Money on Easter Dinner

    – 7 Ways to Cook Spring Lamb

    – Homemade Rainbow Jello Eggs