If I told you a popular 1984 movie inspired me to make Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches, would you be able to guess which movie? This week, I’m participating in a Movie-Inspired #SundaySupper, with simple instructions: choose a recipe to make inspired by a movie. As a movie lover, I had all sorts of movies I could pick, but my mind was drawn to some of my movie favorites from the 1980’s.
As a baby born in the 70’s, most of my growing up happened in the 80’s. I have a lot of favorite movies from that time, but most seem to be created by John Hughes — the writer/director hero of my teen years. Some of my ultimate favorites by John Hughes was Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink (one of my favorite movie soundtracks of all time too), and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
But, if I had to pick my all-time favorite 1980’s movie — it would Sixteen Candles. It’s a movie I’ve probably watched 100 times and can recite nearly all the dialog (although, come to think of it, the same can be said of Breakfast Club). Just like a lot of movies, my dad recorded Sixteen Candles off of cable onto VHS (or Beta?) tapes and my sister and I watched it OVER and OVER again. We never got tired of it.
When thinking of a recipe to share inspired by a movie, I knew that the movie had to be Sixteen Candles and I remembered a dinner scene with quiche.
Long Duk Dong (Gedde Watanabe) is a foreign exchange student and he eats dinner with the entire family. They serve quiche which begins this dialog:
Long Duk Dong: Very clever dinner. Appetizing food fit neatly into interesting round pie.
Mike Baker: It’s a quiche.
Long Duk Dong: How do you spell?
Grandpa Fred: Well you don’t spell it, son, you eat it. (followed by Grandpa Fred’s loud laugh)
Here’s the scene:
I have no idea what the Baker Family put in their quiche, but I know that asparagus is plentiful right now and I love mushrooms, so I decided to make Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches. They are quite easy to make and while the Baker Family in Sixteen Candles had quiche for dinner, I personally like these mini quiches for breakfast or brunch. They are very versatile too. If you don’t like asparagus or mushrooms, you can easily substitute other vegetables.
To start your Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches, you will saute chopped mushrooms and asparagus pieces. If your asparagus is thicker, I find it helps to peel the stalk. This helps to make the asparagus more tender.
The cooked mushrooms and asparagus are divided among 12 muffin tins. A bit of shredded cheese is then place on top of the mushroom/asparagus mixture (I used Jarlsberg Cheese). Then, beaten egg is pour directly over the cheese.
Then they are ready to go into the oven!
In about 15 minutes, they puff up and become golden brown. The final result is a small, hand-held breakfast — which is always a favorite with my kids. It’s so easy to grab one or two as you are heading out the door.
I love how easy they are to make. Plus, I really like that the allow me to use up extra vegetables. I wonder if Long Duk Dong would call it a very clever breakfast? 🙂
Here is the recipe for my Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches which you can print or save to your recipe box on ZipList:
Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches
Ingredients
- Asparagus spears (about 10)
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (can sub half & half or whole milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese (can use cheddar, monterey jack, etc, plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut asparagus spears into approx 1″ pieces. Note: If stalks are thick, you may wish to peel them with a vegetable peeler before cutting. Coarsely chop mushrooms. In a large frying pan, heat oil. When hot, add asparagus and mushroom. Cook until mushrooms are tender, asparagus is tender-crisp, and all water is evaporated.
- In a bowl, beat eggs. Beat in heavy cream, salt and pepper.
- Divide mushroom/asparagus mixture evenly between the 12 muffin tins. Top mushrooms/asparagus with a bit of shredded cheese. Pour egg mixture over the top of the cheese, dividing evenly among the 12 muffin tins. If you have any additional cheese, you may wish to sprinkle it on the top of the egg mixture.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until egg has set.
This week’s fun Movie-Inspired #SundaySupper was hosted by Heather at girlichef. If you like the idea of movie-inspired recipes, I encourage you to check out her site Food ‘n Flix where you can participate by cooking or baking recipes inspired by a chosen monthly movie. Isn’t that cool?
If you love movies like I do, you’ll want to check out all the amazing links below. This list contains links to all the food bloggers who are also participating in the Movie Inspired #SundaySupper. Is your favorite movie represented?
Toast (bready things)
- Scones (inspired by Tea with Mussolini) – Country Girl in the Village
- Croque Monsieur (inspired by It’s Complicated) – That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
- “Eat Me” Blueberry Lemon Scones (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) – The Messy Baker
- Dog Bone Breadsticks (inspired by Frankenweenie) – The Urban Mrs.
- Individual Deep Dish Pizzas (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Momma’s Meals
- Basic Bread Recipe (inspired by Agora) – Masala Herb
- Mystical Double Cheese Pizza (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Webicurean
- Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes (inspired by No Reservations) – Pies and Plots
No Reservations (soups and salads)
- 10-Minute Potato Ham Soup with Pesto Swirl (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Shockingly Delicious
- Alaska Smoked Salmon, Celery, and Apple Salad (inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) – Pescetarian Journal
Today’s Special (fish, chicken, beef, and pork)
- الدار البيضاء Fish Tajine (inspired by Casablanca) – Maroc Mama
- Beef and Onions Braised in Beer (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Magnolia Days
- Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) – I Run For Wine
- Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs (inspired by Brave) – Big Bear’s Wife
- Puerco Pibil (inspired by Once Upon a Time in Mexico) – From the Bookshelf
Forks Over Knives (veggie-heavy dishes and sides)
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (inspired by The Joy Luck Club) – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Beet Chips (inspired by Food Matters) – girlichef
- Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille) – Noshing With The Nolands
- Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches (inspired by Sixteen Candles) – Home Cooking Memories
- Veg Samosas (inspired by Monsoon Wedding) – My Cute Bride
- Not So Fried Green Tomatoes (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Roasted Taters with Bacon (inspired by Lord of the Rings) – Curious Cuisiniere
- Goat Cheese Basil Grits (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Diabetic Foodie
Udon (pasta and noodles)
- Big Night Timpano (inspired by Big Night) – Kimchi Mom
- Better Baked Mac & Cheese (inspired by Soul Food) – What Smells So Good?
- Spaghetti with Meatballs and Gravy (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) – Juanita’s Cocina
- Spicy Sichuan Noodles (inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman) – Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta (inspired by Last Holiday) – Gourmet Drizzles
Just Desserts (sweet treats)
- The Best Chocolate Cake (inspired by Chocolat) – The Foodie Army Wife
- Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberries (inspired by Chocolat) – Vintage Kitchen
- Iocane-Dusted Brownies of Unusual Size (BOUS’) (inspired by The Princess Bride) – The Cooking Actress
- Minny’s Chocolate Pie (inspired by The Help) – Daily Dish Recipes
- Pao de Lo | Portuguese Bundt Sponge Cake (inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding) – Family Foodie
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (inspired by Life of Pi) – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Fantasia Cakes (inspired by Disney’s Fantasia) – NinjaBaking. com
- Chocolate Dipped Almond Coconut Bars (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- (Gluten Free) Orange Soda Pound Cake (inspired by Joe Vs The Volcano) – Blueberries and Blessings
- Peach and Berry Cobbler (inspired by Soul Food) – The Lovely Pantry
- Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) – Weekend Gourmet
- French Macarons (inspired by Marie Antoinette) – Happy Baking Days
- Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli Cups (inspired by The Godfather) – Peanut Butter and Peppers
Bottle Shock (beverages)
- Raspberry Cordial (inspired by Anne of Green Gables) – NeighborFood
- Grapefruit Flirtini (inspired by Sex and the City) – Ruffles & Truffles
- Wines To Pair With #SundaySupper Movie-Inspired Recipes (inspired by Sideways) – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Don’t forget to join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.
Stacy says
I love these because 1. great combo of mushrooms, asparagus and cheese and 2. NO crust! How easy are these?! Mini quiches are always great for a brunch or shower (next week!) but I am put off by making pastry and fitting tiny pastry rounds into the muffin cups. These, I could do, no problem. I could eat the whole batch right now. Yum!
brandie says
Thanks Stacy! What’s funny is that I was actually planning to make them with crust. I started making them and decided to go with the easier route!
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
These are gorgeous. I was a child of the 80’s too – but I have to say, I have never seen 16 Candles, or Pretty in Pink! Now the Breakfast Club is another story. I loved that movie. 🙂
brandie says
Thanks Conni! I love Breakfast Club too.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Such adorable mini quiches. Love your combination of mushrooms and asparagus!
brandie says
Thanks Renee!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
Love this movie and LOVE this recipe! I gotta get more use out of my cupcake tins!
Katie says
I love that movie! And the quiche scene definitely has me giggling. Your mini quiches look fabulous…I love anything with asparagus!
Laura Dembowski says
I have never seen Sixteen Candles or any of those 80s movies (that’s what being a child of the 90s does to you ;)) and I have never had quiche. But after seeing this I want to make quiche and watch movies!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
LOVE 16 Candles! Love all those classic 80’s movies! Also love your Mini Quiches, have to try them!
Jess @HungryHarps says
Those Quiches look great, I am going to have to try those! I just watched Ferris Bueller, AGAIN, the other day – I was still crackin’ up. Those are all great movies that you mentioned. 🙂
The Ninja Baker says
Your mini quiches are perfect for parties – whether one has got 16 candles (or more) to blow out =) Asparagus and mushroom are favorite veggie combos so your recipe is a keeper. Many thanks.
Martin D. Redmond says
Yummy! I don’t know why, but I don’t think of quiche often. You’ve got me re-visiting that! Looks great…Thanks for sharing!
Andrea (From the Bookshelf) says
That was one of my all time favorite brat pack movies. The quiches look delicious.
Shelby | Diabetic Foodie says
Great scene! Just saw St Elmo’s Fire the other night and it reminded me of all of these movies.
Tara says
Those look so good and I love the story behind them, great post!!
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
Lol! Love that scene… and these are simply the best movies ever! And yes, I have them all on VHS still too 😉 What a great quiche recipe… thanks for sharing! 😉
Liz says
Looks like a very clever breakfast to me!!! So lovely, with the bright green asparagus!
Family Foodie says
I love Sixteeen Candles! You just brought back so many memories and these quiches look amazing!
Cat Yates says
Ferris has to be my favorite movie out of those. Some of the greatest one liners came out of that movie. And your quiches look so good! Thanks for sharing!
brandie says
You are so right! Bueller…Bueller…anyone?
Amanda @ MarocMama says
Any excuse to eat asparagus works for me. I love making quiche and other similar things in smaller sizes, great for lunchboxes or to grab and heat for breakfast.
brandie says
Thanks Amanda! Yesterday I was at the store and I saw that the asparagus was even lower in price, so now I have a bunch to use. Ok by me!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
I love this movie! I also love mushrooms and asparagus and quiche. Your minis look amazing. Thank you for sharing!
brandie says
Thanks so much, Shannon!
Renee says
Put me in the club with watching Sixteen Candles umpteen times along with all those other John Hughes and 80’s movies. I like your mini quiches using the muffin pan. I think the leftovers would be easy to freeze and re-heat nicely too.
brandie says
Thanks Renee! I haven’t tried freezing them, but I’m sure they would be a great thing to freeze and pop in the microwave for a quick breakfast. We had a couple leftover and they did reheat really well.
Heather @girlichef says
I just watched Sixteen Candles 2 weeks ago! I was so excited when I saw what you had picked as your inspiration for this week. I was born in the mid-70’s and grew up with those awesome John Hughes flicks, too…still some of my favorites – and I own them all…what can I say. though I’ve gone from vhs to dvd ;P. Love your quiches, they sound delicious!
(no more yanky my wanky…bwaaa haaa haaa…sorry)
brandie says
Yay! I’m so glad that there is other Sixteen Candle fans! I was kind of wondering if I would be the only one. And as I wrote this post, I wondered if anyone would like the “no more yanky my wanky” in the comments…you get the prize, Heather! 🙂
Heather @girlichef says
Yay! ;P
Alaiyo Kiasi says
I love “Sixteen Candles” too and can never get enough of it. I’m going to try your recipe, which looks easy and so elegant!
brandie says
Thanks Alaiyo! It’s been a bit since I last watched Sixteen Candles, but working on this post has me wanting to put it on again.