Fennel Gruyere Grape Tart Recipes

CARAMELIZED FENNEL TARTS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute fennel in oil until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally, 40 minutes. Stir in the thyme, vinegar, salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400°., Unfold each puff pastry sheet onto an ungreased baking sheet. Using a knife, score 1 in. from the edges of each pastry. Spread fennel mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. , Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Cut each tart into 12 pieces. If desired, top with reserved fennel fronds. Freeze option: Freeze cooled pastries in a freezer container, separating layers with waxed paper. To use, reheat pastries on an ungreased baking sheet in a preheated 400° oven until crisp and heated through.

CRISP GRAPE TARTS

Steps:

• Cut each phyllo pastry sheet into six squares, about 4 inches each. Layer six squares of phyllo pastry in each of six muffin cups, brushing each layer with butter and placing the corners of the squares to create a petal effect. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes or until phyllo is crisp and lightly browned. Brush bottom of each pastry cup lightly with honey, using about 1 tablespoon among the 6 cups. Remove phyllo cups from muffin pan and cool on baking rack. Toss grapes with liqueur and remaining 2 tablespoons honey. Mix well and let stand 30 minutes.
• Note: You may use whipped cream cheese or prepared vanilla pudding instead of yogurt, if you prefer. Roll remaining phyllo from the purchased package in waxed paper; then in plastic wrap and store according to package recommendation.
• Nutritional Stats: Using yogurt: Calories 194; Protein 3 g; Fat 8 g; Carbohydrates 26 g; Cholesterol 22 mg; Fiber 1.0 g; Sodium 150 mg.

GRUYERE RUSSET CHIPS

Steps:

• Fill a medium bowl with cold water. Fill a heavy deep pot with oil and heat to 390 degrees F. Slice potatoes into paper thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick, using a mandoline. As potatoes are sliced, immediately place them in the water to prevent color change. When done, remove potatoes from water in batches and blot dry on paper towels. Carefully add potatoes to oil making sure that aren't stuck together. Cook potatoes, gently stirring with tongs or a strainer, until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined sheet pan and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of the sea salt and pepper and 1 teaspoon Gruyere. Check oil temperature and repeat with the remaining potatoes until all are cooked.
• Serve immediately with French Onion Dip or allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

GRUYERE & CARAMELIZED ONION TARTS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onion in oil and butter until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in salt and pepper., Unfold each puff pastry sheet onto an ungreased baking sheet. Using a knife, score decorative lines around the edges of each pastry. Spread onion mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with cheeses and thyme., Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut each tart into 12 pieces. Serve warm.

SLOW-ROASTED TOMATO & GRUYèRE TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Arrange the tomatoes over a baking sheet, cut-sides up. Brush lightly with oil and put a little basil on top of each. Bake for 1½ hrs until tomatoes are semi-dried. Remove from the oven and increase the heat to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
• To make the pastry, tip the flour into a food processor with the butter and whizz until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add cheese and 2-3 tbsp cold water and pulse until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and briefly knead.
• Roll out the pastry and line a 25cm flan tin, there's no need to trim off the excess at this stage. Line the pastry with greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 mins, then remove the paper and beans and continue cooking until crisp and light golden. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully trim off excess pastry.
• Spread the pesto over the base of the pastry case. Lightly whisk the eggs, then whisk in the cream and milk. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the grated cheese. Pour into the pastry case and arrange the tomatoes over the top, cut-sides up. Scatter with olives and bake for 25-30 mins until puffed and golden, then leave to cool slightly before serving.