Fennel Gruyere Grape Tart Recipes

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.

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.

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.

ONION GRUYERE TART

Steps:

• Cut onions into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Chop coarsely.
• Heat butter and oil in heavy skillet. Add onions and cook, covered, over medium heat about 10 minutes, or until onions are limp and begin to render liquid. Add pinch of sugar.
• Uncover onions and cook over medium-high heat 30 to 45 minutes. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up brownings in pan. The onions should be a deep brown and reduced to a small mass. They must be watched carefully and stirred to prevent scorching and to ensure even browning.
• Transfer onions to a bowl. Add wine to skillet and boil, scraping up pan brownings, until liquid is reduced to a thick glaze. Add glaze to onions, along with salt, nutmeg, cream and egg. Adjust seasoning. (Dish may be prepared to this point a day in advance and refrigerated.)
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Grate cheese and distribute half of it on bottom of chilled pastry shell in pastry tin. Distribute onion mixture evenly over cheese; top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 40 to 45 minutes. If top browns too much, reduce heat slightly toward the end. Serve as a first course, warm or at room temperature. Tart can be made a few hours ahead, but do not refrigerate.