A stumble across the finish line.

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While I woke at 2:00, by 6:00 I was back in bed.  I set the alarm for 9:15, I think.  A nap, I thought.  *ring*  Hrm?  11:0something!  I hurried from bed and to the door.  I had this strange feeling that something wasn't right.  It hit me, just as I was answering the door.  I was supposed to have the quiche ready!  Nothing to do now, save answer the door and face the consequences.  "Good morning!", I heard.  Ah, about that, I might have mumbled, or something to that effect.  Late was the hour, and late was the chef, I suggested.  "No worries."  Can we do a rematch, I asked?  I was given a reprieve.  I had until 13:00 to kick out a quiche.  I, initially, though this would be... well... cake... pie cake.  Still, I didn't want to leave them with nothing.  I had the fruit pies to hand out.

On to the kitchen, in a dragging motion, since I believed this would be easy.  All I had to do was a little prep of materials, then baking the quiche.  Oh, but then it hit me!  I had to bake the crust first.  That takes between 40 and fifty minutes, as does the quiche (at least).  This was going to be a race, and my head was still in bed!

On to rolling out the dough.  Every second counts, this was another time consumer.  You don't just spit out a round.  It takes time.  Still, gotta go or it won't get done.  Finished rolling, into the round... which I had soaking but not washed, another time eater.  Argh!  But in it went, as well as the foil and baking beads.  I use that for the first half of baking.  Actually I think I will go to pennies from now on.  Baking beads aren't really heavy enough.  I rested until the crust was at the half way mark, at which time I remove the foil and beads.  I needed to wake up, so a bit of coffee was consumed, and a new pot made.

After the foil and beads were removed, and the crust put back in to finish, I began prep.  I had bacon, but wanted it diced more finely.  I also needed to crumble the feta cheese.  I ran out of luck with spinach.  I had used all that was thawed and there simply wasn't time to thaw another bag.  Then again, I hadn't thought the spinach added all that much, if I might have used too little in my practice egg pie.  I also had to halve the olives and slice the tomatoes.  I was still easily finished with prep before the crust was ready, so another "cup" of coffee and some sit time.  My dogs are barking at me... they will get at least a few days to cool their heels.

Running a race against time and the realities that cooking can't be rushed, and all else.  Still, it was coming along fairly well.  I wasn't sure if the quiche would be ready.  The only thing to do is to keep at it.  Finally, the crust was ready, but needed just a little time to cool some.  I didn't want the cheese to turn into water and globs.  Then, when cooled enough, it all went in.  I attempt to evenly distribute the goodies.  You can only do just so much.  Then the egg mixture goes in, which doesn't seem to mess up my arrangement.  I'll take what I can get.  Into the oven and... waiting.  It takes about 40 minutes, here, at 400F, for the pie to set up.  I still couldn't be sure it would be done on time, as sometimes five to fifteen minutes of variance, due I suppose to variances in ingredients, makes sure bets impossible.  Though the pies have never taken less than 40 minutes at that temp, and more like 60 minutes minimum at 350F.  Done, and no doorbell yet.  Ah, but asiago must be shredded on top!  Done.  Further, I considered that these ladies would not have a means of transporting the pie.  So I got one of my very large mixing bowls out, and a placemat for under the pie.  A perfect fit.  A kitchen towel over that, and then on to near the door for when they arrived.  Another cup of coffee, and I just waited a few minutes.  Perfect timing.  I hope they enjoy.

The devil might be in the details, but Doom is always riding the devil hard.  *grins*  I may, or may not, crash.  My schedule is shot, but it was when I started.  It's just, for now, I have no clue where it is going to land.  It's like playing spin the bottle with a cheating woman named Sleep, who may kiss me off my feet before the bottle even gives her warrant!  Dames, I'm telling you!  Later.  Or... much later.

If I'm not back in a few hours?  Wait longer.  :p