The Frittata

a frugal gourmet’s easel

Method

4 Serving

1. While the butter and oil are heating up – on medium heat – i n a medium pan with high sides:

2. Vigorously whip the eggs in a bowl with the cream mixture and hal f of the spices.

3. Preheat broiler to 425° Fahrenheit, with the rack near the center

4. Before the oil and butter start smoking, have whipped your eggs and milk into a lively foam.

5. Pour into the heated, well-oiled pan on medium-low heat.

6. Watch closely, pulling the egg mix toward the center away from the sides – carefully and gently – a few times. Evenly distribute the uncooked egg mixture around in the pan until it’s cooked about halfway through and the bottom is NOT turning dark.

7. Then pull off the heat, sprinkle the remaining ingredients evenly over the egg dish (the shellfish, veggies, cheese, spices, and then a bit of chives and/or parsley.)

8. Set the broiler on quickly, with the oven rack set to two or three levels from the top.

9. Using caution about the handle, set the pan under the broiler; leave the oven door ajar, watch closely. In about five minutes you see her beginning to bubble and rise. When there’s just a slight wetness left in the center, remove gently. USE CAUTION AND AN OVEN MITT!

10. Return pan to the medium-heated stovetop for one minute to sort of close the deal. It adds a nice last-minute “poof ” before the dish inevitably settles.

11. Allow to cool for a few minutes before sliding onto a serving dish or board.

12. Slice into four large, even wedges. Serve with a side of cut fruit and a glass of sparkling water or herbal tea with honey. If some GOOD BREAD i s available, a crunchy slice of toast with or without a bit of butter and orange marmalade would be a heavenly compliment to this healthy, beautiful and affordable treat.

This decadent meal is the result of a sale that I saw on canned crabmeat, a sale on capers and a sale on asparagus. The natural thing to do was just bring these ingredients together with some creativity and an egg whisk…Total cost for 4 people: $3.00 each. No need to be crabby about this grocery bill!

Perfect Pairings — 10 VEG Hash