Fred's Swiss Onion Pie
Fred Aves' grandmother was born in Yverdon, Switzerland. When Fred built his winery on Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena during the early 1970's, he named it after the town of his grandmother's birth. He planted Riesling grapes and produced a dry wine that is traditionally served with this recipe. After Fred passed away, the property was purchased by the Wurtele family in the 1990's. The winery is now called Terra Valentine, a tribute to Angus Wurtele's father, Valentine Wurtele.
Makes two pies
Piecrust
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cube sweet butter, chilled, then cut into pats
1/3 cup lard
5-6 tablespoons ice water as needed
Mix ingredients together with hands and roll into smooth ball. Divide the crust into two pie dishes.
Filling
1 lb Jarlsburg or aged Swiss cheese
1/4 club flour
Grate the cheese and mix with flour. Set aside.
4 medium onions - sliced thin
1 cube butter
Saute onions in butter until golden.
3 cups half & half or heavy cream
10 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
dash cayenne
Mix last 6 ingredients well together.
To make pies:
Spread a layer of the onions, a layer of grated cheese and repeat.
Pour cream and egg mixture over both pies.
Bake for 1 hr at 350 degrees.
Enjoy with a glass of Terra Valentine 2007 Russian River Viognier!
