Hot Dates

Yesterday I had a sudden craving for something sweet, spicy and savory. I knew it would involve the dried dates I already had in the cupboard, and from there things took a turn towards Morocco. Lo and behold, the lamb and date quiche was born.

Lamb and Date Quiche

2 pie crusts, prebaked in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes
1 lb ground lamb
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp thyme
3/4 tsp salt
couple dashes cayenne and black pepper
1 T honey
2 handfuls dried dates, chopped
1 c cream
1/2 c milk
3 eggs
2 or 3 good handfuls pistachios, chopped

Prepare the pie crusts, then turn the oven down to 375. Brown the ground lamb in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to break it up nicely. Drain most of the fat and then add the onion and spices. Cook until the onion is softened, then add the honey and cook a minute more. Taste for seasoning. It should be sweet and spicy with enough salt to enhance the flavors. Toss the lamb mixture with the chopped dates and divide into the two pie pans. Beat the eggs into the cream and milk, and divide into the two pans. Sprinkle the pistachios on top of the quiches and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Eat!