1 tsp. butter
2 c. fresh bread crumbs
2 c. chopped onion
1/2 lb. ham, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 c. (12 oz.) grated Swiss cheese
6 eggs
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 c. half and half
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of ground red pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 10-inch ceramic quiche dish or 11-inch pie pan, using 1/2 butter. Spread bread crumbs on baking sheet. Place in oven. Toast, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Spread in dish. Melt remaining butter in skillet. Sauté onion. Stir occasionally until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Using heart shaped cookie cutter, cut six hearts from ham. Coarsely chop scraps of ham. Sprinkle over bread. Layer onion and cheese. Beat eggs, flour, half and half, salt and pepper well, not frothy. Pour egg mixture over. Arrange ham hearts on top.

Bake 50 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.