Bacon with Spinach and Shiitakes

This is an attempt to be kind of healthy, but we just can’t resist keeping bacon in it.  It is just a matter of moderation.  We use the Spinach and Shiitake Mushrooms to tell ourselves that this one is healthy and good for us.  We use the smaller than normal helping of Bacon to make it taste extra good.  And unfortunately, this is one that didn’t make it’s photo shoot before it went to the rink and was consumed before a picture could be taken.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of good quality Bacon
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1/4 cup Green Onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 16 oz fresh Spinach
• 1/2 lb fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Asiago Cheese, shredded
• Base Quiche Mix
• 2 pie crusts

Preparation

Either bake your bacon in the oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes (10 minutes per side) or in a skillet over medium high heat until just starting to get crispy.  Remove and drain on a paper towel.  When cooled chop up into 1/2 inch pieces and refrigerate until final assembly.

In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt the butter.  Put in the chopped green onions and garlic.  Cook while stirring until the green onions start to soften, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the spinach and shiitake mushrooms and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.  This should take about 5 – 7 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Refrigerate until final assembly.

Final Assembly and Cooking

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Mix together the two kinds of cheese.  In another large mixing bowl, add the bacon chunks, vegetables, mushrooms and 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture together and mix thoroughly.  When thoroughly mixed, half into the two pie crusts.  Prepare the base quiche mix and pour over the ingredients in the pie crusts.  Top this with the remaining cheese mixture and sprinkle with some extra salt and pepper to taste.  The pies then go into the oven for 30 -40 minutes or until the cheese on top is a golden brown.  Remove from the oven and either serve or transport to the rink.