Lesson 2.8: How to make a Frittata — Squash and Goat Cheese Frittata

Ingredients
. Medium Yellow Onion
. Mixed Small Zucchini and Yellow Squash
. Eggs
. Heavy Cream
. Basil
. Fresh Chives
. Goat Cheese
. Parmigiano-Reggiano or Asiago Cheese

Special Equipment
. Heat-resistant spatula
. Oven-proof skillet



Notes from the Kitchen
. Mise en Place, as always was a key helper to making everything move at the right pace.
. Baby zucchini were used in place with nice effect.
. Purple basil was used, as it was handy, but sadly lost its color in the cooking process.
. A wooden spatula (in place of a silicone one) worked fine to move the eggs while cooking.
. The key (to avoiding overcooked frittata) seems to be not doubting yourself when it comes to moving from stove top to broiler.
. Distance from the broiler seems key to quickly create the browned effect.

Note of Less Pertinence but Equal Importance
. Do you know what lives in your broiler?
. Flashlights (and flexibility to lay on the floor with head in close proximity to bottom-broiler of a gas oven) recommended.
. Photo depicted in the book has clearly not been cooked to the specifications—as it likely involved a more last minute placement of lovely green basil ribbons and carefully posed half-moons of squash.



Eating the Results
Laura says: An easy, and filling, evening meal. The dollops of goat cheese were little treasures to be found in a forkful of egg and vegetable. The basil lent a light and refreshing flavor. Equally satisfying cold for breakfast the following morning. Simpler recipes call for sticking the pan in a 350-degree oven, but the quick browning and "puffing" induced by the book's suggested broiler method seems preferable, and not so much more cumbersome.

Claudine says: Agreed. This dish was delicious and, happily, easy enough to make on any weeknight evening. As someone who could live on goat cheese, it was especially nice to discover what a lovely combination it makes with the zucchini and squash. Following the directions in this recipe does produce a beautifully fluffy outcome and is whole-heartily recommended.

Useful Links
Cooking School Eggs 101
Incredible, Edible Egg