Vidalia Onion Bacon Pie

It’s the sweet season of Georgia-grown Vidalia onions. Squattier than their kin, onions labeled Vidalias are unique to Georgia and may only be grown in certain parts of a 20-county area in the southeastern part of the state. Due to the soil and the climate, the onions are sweeter even when raw, making them particularly suited to dishes with smoky and salty flavors. This also makes them great raw in salads.

Vidalia Onion Bacon Pie

• Yield 8 servings

Caramelized onions, bacon and cheese fill this hearty quiche.

Add 1/4 cup of chopped green onion to the filling to add a splash of green.

Ingredients

Crust:

Cooking spray

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 tablespoons butter

2 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

1 tablespoon butter

3 medium Vidalia or sweet onions, slivered

2 eggs

1/2 cup half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for top

1 cup (4-ounces) shredded white Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

4 slices thick, smoky-style bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

1. To prepare crust, coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray.
2. Place cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a pastry cutter blade; pulse to combine. Add egg and butter; pulse until mixed. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a dough ball forms. This will form a sticky mass of dough. Press into pan. If the dough is too sticky, add a little cornmeal.
3. Preheat oven to 350F.
4. To prepare filling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Drain if necessary.
5. Combine eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk well. On bottom of pie, sprinkle half the shredded cheese. Top with corn kernels,  onions and bacon. Pour egg mixture over top. Top with remaining cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Bake 40 minutes, until top is set and browned.

P.S.

Cut a thick slice of raw Vidalia Onion to put on your grilled hamburger too.  Yumm

Enjoy.
The Old Guy