Recipe: Jackie Olden's Party Shrimp Quichettes with Variations (1980's)

PARTY SHRIMP QUICHETTES

"This will be one of your favorites."

FOR THE PASTRY:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup flour
FOR THE FILLING:
4 ounces small shrimp*
1 medium onion, chopped and slightly sauteed
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper to taste

TO PREPARE THE PASTRY:
Beat together the butter and cream cheese till smooth, add flour and form into a ball. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for 30 minutes or longer. The pastry can be made a day ahead.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Make miniature pie shells by shaping the dough into I-inch balls and pressing it into the bottom and sides of small muffin cups 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.

In each miniature pie shell place a few small shrimp, a little sauteed onion, then a little grated cheese.

Combine the eggs, milk, nutmeg and ground pepper. Pour into cups.

Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue baking 15 minutes more. Serve immediately.

TO FREEZE AHEAD:
These can be frozen after baking (cool first) and reheated at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes directly from the freezer.

*VARIATIONS:
Substitution for shrimp can be crab, canned clams, chopped cooked ham, sauteed chopped bacon.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Jackie Olden's Holiday Falderah by Jackie Olden, 1987