1 Shortcrust pastry
— (see note)
6 oz Curd cheese
4 oz Cottage cheese
2 oz (generous) mature cheddar
4 Eggs
2 tb Milk (or more)
Fresh mint, parsley & chives
Beaten egg to glaze
*Note: Shortcrust pastry should be made with 8 oz flour, preferably whole
wheat.
Sieve both the soft cheeses to make a smooth mixture. Beat in about 2
tablespoons each coarsley chopped parsley, mint and chives to make a
prettily green-flecked mixture. Add salt, pepper and the milk.
Use half the pastry to line a pie plate measuring about 8 1/2 inches
across the top. Put the cheese mixture into it, make four hollows with the
back of a spoon and break an egg into each. Season the eggs with a pinch of
salt, a good grinding of pepper and scatter more herbs over the top–at
least 3 tablespoons of mint and perhaps 1 of chives.
Cover with remaining pastry. Seal, flute, glaze and make a few steam
slits in the usual way. Bake on a preheated baking sheet at 425 F (220 C)
gas mark 7 for 25 minutes, then at 375 F (190 C) gas mark 6 for 15 minutes.
Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with a tomato salad or a green salad.
Yields
6 Servings
