Pear-Pecan Sausage Quiche

Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle's Note:

Savory, and sweet from the pears! From Taste of Home's Facebook page, January 23, 2012 -- Originally from Quick Cooking November/December 2005!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 1.0 9

• 1 refrigerated pie pastry (9-inch)
• 1/2 lb bulk hot Italian sausage
• 1/3 cup sweet onion (chopped)
• 1 medium pear, sliced
• 1/3 cup pecans (chopped and toasted)
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup)
• 8 pecan halves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 350°F.
2. Line a 9-in. pie plate with pastry. Trim pastry to 1/2 inches beyond edge of pie plate; flute edges.
3. In a medium-hot iron skillet, toast pecans until fragrant ~ be careful not to burn them!.
4. In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain.
5. Arrange pear slices in crust.
6. Top with sausage.
7. Sprinkle with pecans.
8. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, salt, thyme and nutmeg.
9. Stir in cheese.
10. Pour mixture over sausage.
11. 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.
12. Garnish with pecan halves. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Yield: 8 servings.