For the pastry dough
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup lard
1 egg yolk
2/3 cups milk

For the filling
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Parmesan
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons flour

Make the pastry dough.

Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick.

Place the pastry dough in a pie pan.

Mix eggs, salt, pepper and flour.

Place the shredded mozzarella in the pie pan which has been covered with the pastry dough.

Add Parmesan.

Add the egg mixture.

Place the cheese pie in a 350 degree F oven for about 45 minutes or until both the filling and the crust are golden brown.

Serve at room temperature.

This is an Italian-style quiche. There are dozens of variations on this recipe. This version is very easy to do, nonetheless, I believe, it has a pleasant flavor. The cheese mixture is neither too sharp or too bland. The more complicated versions of this cheese pie might get better marks for flavor, but one will need a lot more time and patience to get them done just right. Those who love French-style quiches might find this particular Italian cheese pie a touch bland. For those who like cheese pies that are very strong in flavor they should try "pizza rustica" recipes. Those carry a lot of punch. This one does not. Photo: Mary Melfi.

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