PEAR-PECAN SAUSAGE QUICHE

Steps:

• Preheat oven at 350°F.
• Line a 9-in. pie plate with pastry. Trim pastry to 1/2 inches beyond edge of pie plate; flute edges.
• In a medium-hot iron skillet, toast pecans until fragrant ~ be careful not to burn them!.
• In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain.
• Arrange pear slices in crust.
• Top with sausage.
• Sprinkle with pecans.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, salt, thyme and nutmeg.
• Stir in cheese.
• Pour mixture over sausage.
• Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and crust is golden brown. Cover edges with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning, if necessary.
• Garnish with pecan halves. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Yield: 8 servings.