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. 

Comments

[Margaret M Binder]

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

[Jeanne Quick]

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

[Vicki Stephenson Hatch]

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

[Rita]

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

[Joan]

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.

[Trudy]

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 ~

[John Fajvan, Jr.]

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

[Margaret P-Michigan]

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

[Doug]

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.

[susan blunt]

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

[Joy Freeman]

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

[Cherylmarie]

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

[Mitch]

Martha, I am saddened to hear of your mothers passing. You and your family are in my prayers.

[cindy cuevas]

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

[Debbie]

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.

[Lynn]

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.

[David & Jennifer Spencer]

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

[Leslie Eaton]

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

[Margi]

Dear Martha,
Your mother was precious. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Margi

[rosalie leavitt]

I am sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my husband of 35 years on jan 29 2004. we both lost someone special.

[Walter Krakker Jr.]

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

[Laurie]

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.

[Laurie Bruce]

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.

[Kenneth Wright]

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.

[Gladys Kustritz]

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