Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

In the world of appetizers, the quest for something that hits the perfect balance of savory, buttery, and aromatic can often lead to a long journey through recipes. However, the search ends delightfully with these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. Combining the earthy tones of mushrooms with the subtle sharpness of shallot and the creamy tang of goat cheese, these tarts are a testament to flavor harmony. Encased in a flaky puff pastry, every bite is a foray into a texture that’s as pleasing as the taste.

Ingredients:

• 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares: The foundation of our tarts, providing a golden, flaky exterior.
• 8 oz mushrooms, any kind, sliced: The star of the show, offering earthy flavors.
• 1 shallot, finely chopped: For that hint of sharpness and depth.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth.
• 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped: Brings freshness and color.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking and flavor.
• 1/4 cup parmesan, grated: Adds a nutty, salty layer.
• 4 oz goat cheese: The creamy, tangy element that binds all flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper: The herbaceous backbone that complements the mushrooms.
• 1 egg, whisked for egg wash: Gives the pastry a beautiful, glossy finish.
• 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute with chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and adds complexity.

Directions:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining two large baking pans with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and cleanup.
2. Puff Pastry Base: Arrange the puff pastry squares on the prepared pans, leaving an inch of space between each. Prick the surface of each square a few times with a fork. This step prevents the pastry from puffing up too much in the middle, creating a perfect bed for the filling.
3. Sauté: In a skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and garlic, sautéing them just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This is the foundation of flavor for your tarts.
4. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms, remaining olive oil, and spices to the skillet. The mushrooms should cook down and become tender in about 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), allowing the mixture to cook down for another 4-5 minutes. The wine adds a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
5. Combine: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the goat cheese, parmesan, and parsley until everything is evenly mixed and the cheese has melted beautifully into the mushroom mixture.
6. Assemble: Scoop the mushroom and cheese mixture onto each pastry square, spreading it out to the edges if you like or leaving a small border for a “rustic tart” look. For an extra touch, you can pinch the edges of the pastry to create a design.
7. Bake: Brush the edges of each tart with egg wash for that irresistible golden shine. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The smell alone will be enough to gather everyone around the kitchen!

Conclusion:

These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. With a total prep and cooking time of 50 minutes, they are an ideal choice for entertaining or simply elevating your weekend brunch. Each tart packs about 310 kcal, striking a nice balance between indulgence and sensibility. Whether served as a starter or as part of a larger spread, they promise to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy the melding of flavors and the joy of sharing something handmade and heartfelt.

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