29 March 2015

BEST EVER BACON & EGG PIE

Perfect picnic food, perfect for eating anytime actually. Dedicated today to the Black Caps.

• 500g pre-rolled flakey puff pastry
• 50g tasty cheese
• 8 slices farmhouse-style bacon
• 10 eggs
• 4-5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and basil
• 2 large firm but ripe tomatoes
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place a baking tray in the oven and heat the oven to 210˚C. The baking tray will heat up and the pie can be placed directly on this which helps to cook the pastry base.

Divide the pastry into two, one piece slightly larger than the other. Ease the larger piece into a 24cm fluted pie tin with a removable base.

Grate the cheese finely and scatter over the base. Remove the rind from the bacon and cut into small strips. Place these pieces in an even layer over the cheese. Take nine of the eggs and break them one at a time, placing directly on top of the bacon. Take care not to break the yolks.

Chop the herbs very finely and scatter over evenly on top of the eggs. Apply salt and pepper liberally, and finish by placing thin slices of tomato on the herbs.

Place the second piece of pastry this on top of the pie to form a crust. Break the remaining egg into a cup and beat with a fork. Use a little of the beaten egg to seal the pastry top to the base by brushing the underside of the top pastry and gently pressing the top to the sides. Use the remaining egg to make a glaze by evenly brushing the top of the pie.

Place the pie into the pre-heated oven on the pre-heated baking tray and cook for 45-50 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp. Remove the pie when cooked and allow to stand for at least 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold. Serves 6-8.