INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
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5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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3 tablespoons chilled lard or vegetable shortening
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8 ounces thick-cut smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
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3 large shallots, thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons lard or unsalted butter
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2 sprigs thyme
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1 bay leaf
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3 1/2 cups half-and-half
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8 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
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2 ounces Gruyère, finely grated
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One 9"-diameter glass or ceramic deep pie dish