My Chef Pierre's Frittata of Three Cheeses!
A frittata is a kind of omelet that has the ingredients mixed in with the eggs, rather than being folded separately inside. Recently for lunch, Pierre, whipped up a fabulous 3-cheese frittata that was bursting with flavor. It was so delicious steaming right out of the oven. But frittatas are also wonderful eaten at room temperature or even cold, the next day. They also make terrific picnic fare. Frittatas are fun to make because you can get really creative with your ingredients. I hope you try Pierre’s recipe – it’s really good served with a lovely salad.
MY CHEF PIERRE'S FRITTATA OF 3 CHEESES
Serves 8 – 10
Extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. small potatoes
4 small red onions thinly sliced
2 medium leeks washed and thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. paprika, salt and freshly ground pepper
2 slices white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
1 C. parsley, chopped
7 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 C. gouda, shredded
1/2 C. swiss, shredded
1/2 C. blue cheese, crumbled
In a large non-stick skillet with an ovenproof handle, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the potato slices and lightly brown on one side, about 3 minutes, then toss and lightly brown the other side. Add the onion to the skillet, toss with the potatoes, and sauté for a few more minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Next, add the leeks and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes more. Season with the paprika, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Return the skillet over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bread cubes and the garlic and toss until the bread is lightly browned and crispy on all sides. Add the bread, parsley, and eggs to the sautéed vegetables. Meanwhile, heat 2 more tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet and when nice and hot, pour this egg mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top and cook over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes until a thin crust forms on the bottom and sides.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Check the consistency and continue baking until the eggs are just set. Invert the omelet onto a large cutting board and slice into wedges to serve.

















Hi Martha,
I make frittata's all the time, but nothing as glorious as the one you posted. This will make a great addition when I'm looking for a light & easy supper to go along with a nice salad...
Pauline
Posted by: PAULINE | November 16, 2007 at 08:32 AM
The Frittata looks fantastic...I am going to try it for my Christmas brunch and cookie exchange. I also love the step by step pictures...it really helps to see the process. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Bridget | November 16, 2007 at 08:44 AM
This looks wonderful! I'm going to try it on Sunday a.m.
Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Jennifer in Kentucky | November 16, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Hi Martha,
I am so happy that Pierre is willing to share his recipes! I like that this particular one has potatoes in it and I have never tried Gouda cheese so here's my chance. I love the pictures; so realistic and inviting. Yum!
My prayers go out to you and your family everyday.
Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 16, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Yum! Sounds like a recipe I'd like to try this evening. One of my favorite frittata recipes to make is a caramelized onion, goat cheese and sage frittata with a reduced balsamic glaze. The sweetness of the onions and the glaze, the tangy flavor of the cheese and earthiness of the sage produces are remarkable and tasty frittata.
Posted by: Alcea Alba | November 16, 2007 at 11:51 AM
That looks wonderful.... I may need to make that this weekend. I am making the Sweet Potato Spoon Bread tonight, can't wait!
Claudine
Posted by: Claudine | November 16, 2007 at 05:55 PM
YUM!
Posted by: Carolyn | November 16, 2007 at 06:39 PM
This looks oh, so delicious. Great pictures too.
Posted by: Lisa | November 16, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Dear Martha,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear, sweet mom. I am shocked to hear the news. She amazed me with her good health and zest for life. I admired her hard working, self-sacrificing way of keeping the house and raising her family. She inspired me to be the best I could be for my family. I loved watching the two of you work together in the kitchen. I could see how much you were dedicated to each other.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Again, my deepest sympathies, Martha.
Love,
Jacqueline Keegan
Westchester NY
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
Dear Martha,
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Our mothers are always the closest to our souls, they really know our innermost thoughts and feelings without our even telling them, they just know. Tommorow is my MaMere's birthday, though she passed when I was just 16 and now I'm 43, I still miss and think of her every day. One thing I can share with you, and I hope it helps with your pain, is this: Every day that I think of her I am so thankfull that SHE is a part of me, from looking at my hands after getting out of the shower today and thinking: Wow! Mom's hand's (irish washer woman she always called them). Just know this, your Mother is always within you...you are her... evolving but every thing we are we can only thank our parents for and know that we live to grow. My father is also gone (at my age of 26) I am thankful that I got the best of both of them!
Thanks for listening, you're in my prayers tonight.
Catie
P.S Was going to ask you about Thanksgiving meals for singles...
Ma Mere never taught me how to cook for one! _
Posted by: Catie Cahill | November 16, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Dear Martha,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mom. Seeing the two of you together in your wonderful life together in New York has become, as it were, de regieur. Can hardly believe that relationship is no more! But there will always be wonderful memories of her for you, Martha, and I think it must be consoling for you to realize that you gave so very much to her as you cared for her in her later years. And, having been through all of that with both of my parents, I realize that not all of it was easy - probably for either of you! You are (were) both, after all, strong, independent women, creative and unbowed by lives which certainly had their good and bad moments. You and your daughter will both be in my prayers. It is not easy to adjust to this new reality for either one of you, but your mother would expect you both to square your chins and be strong, and I'm sure that is exactly what you will do.
God's blessings on you both.
Lois A. Bross
Posted by: Lois A. Bross | November 17, 2007 at 12:41 AM
I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost your Mother. Relish the happiness and smiles she brought to all of us every time she appeared with you on your show. How I wished I could share a moment in the kitchen with my Mother. Her delicious personality was a treat.
Posted by: Jane | November 17, 2007 at 01:30 AM
Dear Martha,
I was so sad to hear of your mothers passing. Please know you and your family are in our families thoughts and prayers. We loved getting to know your mother through the many years she appeared on your show and in your magazine. She taught us how to make perogis and stollen among other things. We will miss her wonderful smile, her sense of humor and sharp wit. Thanks for the wonderful years you shared "Big Martha" with us all. It was our priviledge.
Mike Schweitzer and family
Cold Spring, KY
Posted by: Michael Schweitzer | November 17, 2007 at 03:19 AM
Dear Martha,
Seeing your posting this morning fills me with deep saddness. Your mother was an inspiration to us all on how to live a long, productive, and full life. We will all feel the loss and our prayers go out to you and your family. At the same time, I hope you will be celebrating her life and spirit, and know that she will always be with us in love and memory. Millions of hearts go out to you all. D. Gavula
Posted by: Dianne Gavula | November 17, 2007 at 05:50 AM
Dear Martha,
I have just learned of your mom's passing and my heartfelt sympathy is with you!
We can never replace a mother as they will always be forever in our hearts!
I lost mine not too long ago and she used to tell me how she missed her mom even after 40 years and spoke about her as if she passed last week!
May you have the strength to get through this sad and difficult time and know that your mom is now at peace!!
Posted by: Mary Ann Perkins | November 17, 2007 at 05:52 AM
Thank you for posting this in such a nice layout. We needed this as we stayed in touch with Martha's blog and the health of her wonderful mother.
Posted by: Margie | November 17, 2007 at 09:31 AM
dear martha,
i am so very sad for your loss
Posted by: connie | November 17, 2007 at 10:24 AM
dear martha,
i am so very sad for your loss
Posted by: connie | November 17, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Rest in Peace "Big Martha". Thank You for Martha and all the wonderful things from your life, from recipies to traditions, you have enriched millions.
Do zobaczenia!
Posted by: Ann Panzarelli | November 17, 2007 at 10:27 AM
dear martha,
i am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.she was a very special lady to you and to all of us.my prayers are with you and your family.heaven has just received one of the greatest cooks ever.
with deepest sympathy,
janet smith
raymond, ms
Posted by: janet smith | November 17, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Dear Martha, my thoughts are with you and prayers that Big Martha is up in Heaven, teaching the angels to make her fabulous dishes that she obviously loved demonstrating on your show. I will miss seeing her there and the holidays will not be the same without her. It doesn't matter how much you have or don't have; we only get one mother, and we're never ready to lose them. I'm glad you were blessed to be able to be close to yours and enjoy her company for so many years! May she rest in peace and keep you warm with happy memories for the rest of your days.
Posted by: Seana Nightingale | November 17, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Dear Martha: My deepest condolences in the passing of your mother. I know that you and your family will have wonderful memories of her to share with one another during this holdiay season. I will miss seeing her on your show and I know she is very proud of you!!!! Good bye BIG MARTHA, we love you!
Love from Bakersfield, CA
Mary Bulygo
Posted by: Mary L. Bujlygo | November 17, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Dear Martha,
I was very sad to read about your mothers death. She was a very special lady and I admire her very much. Her cooking reminded me of my polish grandmother and I copied all of your mom's recipes. Thank you for sharing her with us.
sincerely,
Pam P.
Shelby Townhship, MI
Posted by: Pam P. | November 17, 2007 at 01:04 PM
How special that we were able to share your Mom. She was a delight and will be missed by all.
Posted by: Kathy Hester | November 17, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Dear Martha,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your wonderful Mom. I have loved seeing the two of you together over the years and have felt so close to that relationship. I have the same with my dear mother who is 85 and it just filled me with joy to see both of you working and laughing together.
God Bless Big Martha! She will be sorely missed but will be remembered fondly forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Roberto | November 17, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Dear Martha, I light a candle today for your Mom and the wonderful life she led. Thank you for sharing her with us. Your mom was a great teacher, and so our you. Please keep the legacy going as you always have so we all can keep her in our hearts. My prayers are with you and your family now and always. Sincerely Margaret
Posted by: Margaret M Binder | November 17, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Dear Martha
So sorry about the loss of your mother. I always enjoyed it when she was on your show. I lost my mother 10 years ago just before Christmas and it is always tough when a loved one passes during the holidays. Just remember the good times.
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne Quick | November 17, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Dear Martha and Family,
My sympathy to you and your family. Your sharing of her and your relationship with your audience was very generous. We will miss her as well. Take care.
Sincerely,
Vicki Stephenson Hatch
Posted by: Vicki Stephenson Hatch | November 17, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Martha, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful mother, Big Martha. Nothing used to please me more than seeing the two of you together on your show. The closeness and love you shared was very evident! When you announced that she had gone into the hospital, I was really hoping to soon hear that she was back out and helping you prepare for the holidays...You have lots of wonderful memories of her to help you get through these sad times, and she'll always be with you and watching over you...Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Rita
Posted by: Rita | November 17, 2007 at 06:18 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Having recently lost my own mother, the only advice I have is to just hang on. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Joan | November 17, 2007 at 06:18 PM
We little knew that morning
God was going to call your name,
In Life we loved you dearly
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you
You did not go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories
Your love is still our guide,
And although we cannot see you
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again.
~ Author Unknown ~
Posted by: Trudy | November 17, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Dear Martha...
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. I always loved it when your mom was involved in your shows, and I will personally miss seeing her in your kitchen and audience. After a great 93 years, may she rest in peace!
Love,
John Fajvan, Jr.
Hackensack, New Jersey
Posted by: John Fajvan, Jr. | November 17, 2007 at 10:46 PM
HI Martha, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother, what a lovely lady! I lost my father a couple of years ago, he was a huge fan of your show, he thought you were beautiful and loved all the recipes etc. on your show. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Take care, Margaret
Posted by: Margaret P-Michigan | November 17, 2007 at 11:12 PM
I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing. I loved seeing her with you on your show. May you have received her genes and also live a long and prosperous life. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Posted by: Doug | November 17, 2007 at 11:44 PM
oh MARTHA....IM SOO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE ...IM SURE YOU MADE HER THE PROUDEST MOM EVER ...I REFLECT DAILY ON THE THINGS IVE LEARNED FROM MY MOTHER WHOM I LOST 2001....SHE SEWED AND CROCHETTED AND DID ALL THE STUFF THAT YOU JUST DONT SEE NOWADAYS...SO I SEW ANS DO ALL THE STUFF MY MOM TOUGHT ME TO DO...I WAS BLESSED WITH HER ELNA SEWING MACHINE THAT WAS PURCHASED IN THE 70S AND RUNNIN LIKE A CHAMP TO THIS DAY ...ITS MY MOST PRIZED POSSESSION...MAKE ME FEEL CLOSE TO MY MOM....IT TOOK MY DAD A GOD YEAR TO GIVE IT TO ME IT WAS SUCH A PART OF HER .WELP LOVE TO YOU AND SHE WOULDNT WANT YOU TO BE SAD FOR TOOO LONG ...SOON YOULL BE LAUGHING AT SOMETHIN YOU GUYS DID AND IT WILL BE A GOOD THING
Posted by: susan blunt | November 18, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Dear Martha,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful mother, Big Martha. I loved watching her with you on your shows over the years. She will be missed.
With love,
Joy Freeman
Virginia
Posted by: Joy Freeman | November 18, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Dear Martha,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I know how difficult this time will be, as I lost my Mother 7 years ago and it still feels like just yesterday. You were so fortunate to have your Mom with you for so long. You were able to make alot of memories with her. She was such a wonderful lady and so full of life....I enjoyed it so much when she would be on your show. I know she had to have been so proud of you.
Take care and know that prayers are with you and your family at this time.
With love,
Cherylmarie
Posted by: Cherylmarie | November 18, 2007 at 02:10 AM
Martha, I am saddened to hear of your mothers passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Mitch | November 18, 2007 at 04:17 AM
dear martha
i just saw your mom and your aunt on the show the other day and she looked so good. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. She raised a very lovely daughter and from what i can see a lovely grand daughter too. I will pray for you to be able to deal with this ok in your time of grief because i know you loved her very much. best wishes
cindy cuevas
Posted by: cindy cuevas | November 18, 2007 at 04:19 AM
So sorry on you mother's passing. She was a beautiful lady just like all MOM'S.
She is in the loving arms of the Lord. Knowing that will give you peace.
Posted by: Debbie | November 18, 2007 at 05:34 AM
Dear Martha,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a delight to watch on your show. Thank you for sharing your mom with all of us over the years. We have learned a great deal from both of you. Please know that all of your viewers will be keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Lynn | November 18, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Dearest Martha,
We were deeply saddened to hear about your Mother's passing. It was always such a joy to see her appear on the show from time to time. We know that she will be watching down over you, Alexis and the rest of your family.
Remember to save her a place at the table.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and celebrate her wonderful life.
Our condolences.
Mr. & Mrs. D. Spencer
Lakeland, FL
Posted by: David & Jennifer Spencer | November 18, 2007 at 06:56 AM
Dear Martha my Prayers and Thoughts for you and your mother and family.Please know we are all with you in thoughts as you mourn for your mother.God Bless Big Martha
Posted by: Leslie Eaton | November 18, 2007 at 07:12 AM
Dear Martha,
Your mother was precious. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Margi
Posted by: Margi | November 18, 2007 at 07:24 AM
I am sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my husband of 35 years on jan 29 2004. we both lost someone special.
Posted by: rosalie leavitt | November 18, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Dear Martha and family,
It is a time to remember all of the memories of a great mother in your life. It is a time to celebrate her life as she would want it to be celebrated. May the grace of God and all his angels shine upon her and your family at these trying moments.
Celebrate Life, sincerely
Walter
Posted by: Walter Krakker Jr. | November 18, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Dear Martha,
Watching your show with your mother as a guest always reminded me of the special times spent with my grandmother who taught me most everything I know about cooking and crafting. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Laurie H.
Posted by: Laurie | November 18, 2007 at 08:04 AM
I am so sorry about your mothers passing. I tape your show each day and have for years... You are in my home each day and I saw that love between you and felt I knew you both in a small way. You are in my prayers.
Posted by: Laurie Bruce | November 18, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. None of us really knew your mother, but felt she was a part of our family from her appearances on your show and in your magazine. Your love and respect for her has been most evident. I wish you peace and comfort in this time.
Posted by: Kenneth Wright | November 18, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Dear Martha, I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing on the radio this morning. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my 94 year old mother last year on November 1st. Her last ten years were robbed by dementia. Your mom had a rich, full life which gave all of you many comforting memories. The thing I liked best about your mom ,from what I saw on tv, was her giggle. Take care of yourself. Gladys Kustritz
St. Cloud, MN
Posted by: Gladys Kustritz | November 18, 2007 at 09:09 AM
I love your show and have watched you for many years.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother's passing. She had a great sense of humor and I loved when she was on your show. I know you loved her very much.
My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Mike Magliulo | November 18, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Sympathy on the loss of Martha's mom. My family loved her mushroom soup recipe and we made it every Thanksgiving.
May she rest in peace.
Posted by: carp; | November 18, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Dear Martha, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I too am named after my mother. She is Peg Senior, I'm Peg Junior. Or Big Peg, Little Peg. My mother is pure irish and has such a wonderful zest for life but now suffers from alzheimer's. Nothing can replace a mother but we will always have all the memories to carry us on in life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this Thanksgiving. Best Regards, Little Peg
Posted by: peg fitzpatrick | November 18, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Dear Martha,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Geri Wolfenbarger | November 18, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Martha and Family - I am so saddened by the loss of your spirited little mother. Most of us baby boomers have experienced the role changing of our relationships with out mothers (and fathers). How lucky to have her on this earth for 93 years and for her to have a life where she could still drive herself and be active - none of us could ask for more - except time. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Jennifer Helms | November 18, 2007 at 09:29 AM
May God bless you and your family at this time.
Posted by: Mary crawford | November 18, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Martha - I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your spirited little mother. How thankful we all are to have someone in our lives for so long and that they can still be active and independent. My deepest sympathy.
Posted by: Jen49098 | November 18, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Dear Martha,
The loss of a mother is one of the deepest heartaches in life. I cannot fully express my sympathy to you and your family. My mother passed away two years ago at only 84. Not a day goes by when I don't think of her. I am comforted by knowing that she knew she was loved (we knew we were loved in return) and we enjoyed life together. May you be comforted by many warm and loving memories of her. Big Martha will always be with you and watching over you. Thank you for making her a part of our lives as well. God Bless.
Posted by: Gina | November 18, 2007 at 09:38 AM
to the stewart family. i'm sorry to hear your mom passed. may god bless you. she was the best guest on the martha stewart show. i enjoyed her birthday celebration when it was televised the show. she was a great lady.
Posted by: c.winters | November 18, 2007 at 10:14 AM
martha,
i am in disbelief over your loss. big martha has been so inspirational to not only her direct family but your tv audience and i honestly feel like i just lost a personal relative. i hope you have some great people around to get you through this and that you remember that your mother is immortalized by all of us who have been deeply affected by her.
you are in my prayers
Posted by: vanessa | November 18, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Please forward my sincere condolences to Martha Stewart for her loss.
An avid fan of her magazine, recipes and ideas!
Posted by: Lisa Olivas | November 18, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Dear Martha,
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Seeing you two together was always such a treat, and it was clear you and she have shared a special bond beyond the typical mother-daughter relationship. You are a strong woman, as was she, and you have so many wonderful experiences and memories to keep her close by. Know you have the support of your family, your friends, and your myriad dedicated readers, viewers, and listeners.
Wishing you peace,
S. Lawyer
Indiana
Posted by: Stephanie Lawyer | November 18, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Martha,
This is especially a hard time of the year to lose someone close. But you had her for 93 years!!! I loved watching you both working together. I wish I had a relantionship like that with my Mother. Celebrate her life! Cherish your memories!
Love,
Christine Johnson
Posted by: Christine Johnson | November 18, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I was so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your mom with us.
Posted by: Andrea,OHIO | November 19, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Martha,
One is nerver ready to let go of the best friend we have ever had. From this time on life will always be defined as "When Mom was alive", and "after Mom was gone". You are so lucky to have beautiful moments on film for all time. We all like to think of ourselves as our own person but in truth find we often reflect what was the best feature in our Mother.You were blessed with a long and wonderful time with "Big Martha". God's Blessings to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Wright | November 19, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Martha, In August I celebrated my mother's 90th birthday with her. I'm sure we both know what a blessing it has been to have had our mother's with us for so long. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you have many, many days filled with happy thoughts of the good times with your mother. Meredith Holland
Posted by: Meredith Holland | November 19, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Martha, In August I celebrated my mother's 90th birthday with her. I'm sure we both know what a blessing it has been to have had our mother's with us for so long. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you have many, many days filled with happy thoughts of the good times with your mother. Meredith Holland
Posted by: Meredith Holland | November 19, 2007 at 07:03 PM
i'll take anything with three cheeses. morning noon and night.
Posted by: pinknest | November 23, 2007 at 01:59 PM