Asparagus Quiche

Preparation time is an hour if pie crust is made beforehand.

Ingredients: 2 Tb. unsalted butter; 1 C. yellow onion, chopped; 1 tsp. dry thyme or 1 large sprig, fresh; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1 C. whipping cream; 3 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 C. Swiss cheese sliced into strips; 1 can, 12 1/4 oz. giant, white asparagus, drained, halved lengthwise; 1 recipe pie crust for 10" quiche pan; 1-2 Tb. unsalted butter.

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line quiche pan with pastry, prick with fork, weigh down with rice or beans, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. 2. Sauté onions in butter until translucent. Add thyme. Set aside. 3. Mix cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese and salt in bowl. 5. Arrange asparagus pieces on pastry-lined dish. Spoon onions around pieces. Pour in cream mixture. Dot surface with pieces of chilled butter. 6. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Surface should be slightly golden. Serve hot with good, chilled red wine like a cabernet.