Lorraine who? Latest quiches put to the taste test
Lettercollum rainbow chard, roasted red pepper ricotta
A deliciously fresh garden flavour from seasonal vegetables grown in the Lettercollum garden, this is a superb, creamy quiche with a hint of nutmeg in a really excellent pastry. Even a slice (€3.95) could be shared. A large quiche (€28) would feed at least 10. Quality pays.
Available at Lettercollum Kitchen Project, Clonakilty.
Cinnamon Cottage
This four in a box is ideal to bring as a house gift, and we tasted two fresh flavours. Simple ham and vibrant, sweet fresh tomato just edged out the sundried tomato and feta version. With particularly good texture and taste in the pastry, these individual quiches make an easy lunch and, looking ahead, will be perfect for picnics. From its shop in Rochestown, Cork.
Baxter & Greene Veg quiche lunchbox
With perhaps enough for two, this quiche in a box has side salads of undressed grated carrot, spiral pasta, rocket and lettuce for a complete meal. The deep quiche has cubes of feta in an egg mixture packed with Mediterranean-style tomatoes, courgettes and a few chopped olives. The flavour was natural, and with so many vegetables, the pastry case was substantial enough to hold them. At Dunnes Stores, Bishopstown Court, Cork.
Marks & Spencer Lochmuir salmon & broccoli quiche
Tasters liked the substantial texture and smoked salmon taste which blended well with the creaminess of the eggs, cream and cheddar cheese. The broccoli was less obvious taste-wise but looked appealing. The pastry was light and tasty. There is also a very light and crisp wheat-free version of a cheese and onion quiche which appealed. From a wide, interesting range.
Dunnes Stores Simply Better West Cork Gubbeen chorizo & Irish potato quiche
One taster particularly liked the punchy chorizo flavour here which contrasted well with a creamy potato mix. Substantial and luxurious, a delicious alternative flavouring.
Supervalu ham, spinach & brie quiche
A very good blend of ham, creamy, full flavoured Brie, and some spinach for colour and texture, this worked very well for tasters. Pastry was substantial but light. Plenty for one, add a wholesome salad and share it. We bought at Quish’s Ballincollig, Co Cork.
Lidl de Luxe Goats cheese & roasted pepper quiche
Shortcrust pastry made from margarine in this 400g quiche took longer to crisp up than other samples as the filling was quite watery. Cheddar cheese is there too, but the goat’s cheese and red pepper flavours dominate as they should. Produced in Northern Ireland, this could feed four with salad or vegetables on the side. Not top of tasters’ list, but acceptable.
Aldi Specially Selected goats cheese & caramelised onion tartlet
This 150g portion has plenty of fried onion as well as a caramelised onion chutney going through it. The pastry had little flavour and the bottom didn’t crisp up — not quite soggy but not enticingly crisp either. The filling was tasty enough with plenty of goats cheese flavour coming through. No indication of where it is made.
