Mini Quiches

It's been 3 days and I already feel it.  The back pain is gone, I feel lighter, and (even though I'm not supposed to go on the scale) the numbers support a small loss (or gain depending on how you look at it).  What's most striking is how much more I used to eat; no wonder I was gaining weight.  The unfortunate part is the feeling of hunger which I do have to endure a few times a day.  The hardest time is at night though.  Going to bed hungry must have some inherent discomfort that is anthropologically driven.

Eating in restaurants is particularly easy.  I order salads that are made with leaves and veggies, hold the dressing, cheese, meats and croutons.  I ask for a chicken breast or piece of fish to be grilled to put on top and a side of vinegar.  I drink hot tea with half a teaspoon of honey when I get snack attacks despite snacking.  These cravings will subside in a week or two.  Adding some weight training helps me to consider food as fuel.  It will also increase my metabolism slightly.  I do have to admit that I miss running.  All this would be unnecessary if I could just get moving.  Darn that bunion!  

Meanwhile let me tell you about mini-quiches.  This is so easy and versatile.  You can even throw a cocktail party around these scrumptious bites.  Take a stack of flour tortillas, and using a round cookie-cutter, make 2-inch circles.  Stuff the circles into an oiled mini-muffin pan.  Then put a teaspoon of your favorite filling, maybe some cheese if it goes with your filling, and pour custard into the little cups.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes until the custard is set.  You can eat these warm or at room temperature.

Custard:

4 oz heavy cream

1 egg

salt and pepper to taste

dash cayenne (if using a meat or chicken filling)

dash nutmeg (for vegetable fillings)

Examples of filling:

Shredded chicken with jalapenos and jack cheese

Sauteed mushrooms with swiss cheese

Chili with cheddar cheese

Carrots, peas and blue cheese

the sky is the limit