entertaining | Bewitching Kitchen

These were a big hit at a potluck party we attended recently. They look adorable and are very tasty, plus you can make a vegetarian version by skipping the salami and using grilled zucchini instead. Simply cook some bow-tie pasta, making sure it is al dente. Drain, rinse, cool. Add a bit of olive oil and Herbes de Provence to the pasta. Then, stick the pasta, an olive, salami and cheese into a cute wooden skewer. You are DONE! The idea came from a cookbook I recently reviewed. Click here for the review and ordering information.

I was surprised by how fast they disappeared when we took them to the party. I made 30 total, and I think they were gone in 10 minutes tops. Amazon has a nice selection of cute appetizer skewers, I wish they had some a little smaller, but it’s not a big deal. I hope you consider making them for your next dinner party, I guarantee your friends will love them…

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One of my favorite food blogs is “Just a Smidgen”, from the lovely Barbara, a poet, mother, cellist, great cook, and superb photographer. Each of her posts is a work of art, with carefully chosen words, and photos that will make you dream. And, to top it all, everything she cooks makes my mouth water… Last month she had this tomato tart featured on her blog, and since heirloom tomatoes insist on jumping in my grocery cart, I immediately added it to my Pinterest cooking board for future reference. Contrary to what usually happens, I made it right away, it was simply irresistible!

ROASTED HEIRLOOM TOMATO TART
(adapted from Just a Smidgen)

1 package puff pastry, defrosted (use one half for the tart)
5 to 6 heirloom tomatoes
olive oil
salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1 container of bocconcini mozzarella, drained (200g / 7 to 8 ounces)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/8 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
2 tsp Herbes de Provence
1 egg

Heat oven to 400° F.

Roll out one sheet of puff pastry directly on a piece of parchment paper until it is about an 11” x 14” rectangle. Take a fork and poke holes all over the pastry, leaving a one-inch border all around. Using the palm of your hands, gently roll up to form a border of dough.

Within that border, spread the tomato sauce evenly then add the mozarella pearls over the top.

If your tomatoes are too juicy, slice them and place over paper towels to drain the excess moisture. Place them over the tart, overlapping slightly. Use different colors and sizes, it is supposed to be a rustic-looking tart.

Sprinkle with the herbes the Provence. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmigiano over the surface of the tart.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a drizzle of water to make a wash. Brush this egg mixture on the border of the pastry.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the puff pastry has risen and lightly browned, but start checking the bottom of the tart after 20 minutes, as depending on the moisture of your tomatoes, it could be ready earlier.

Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature, cut in squares.

ENJOY!

printable version available soon

Make sure to stop by Smidge’s blog to look at her gorgeous photos of the making of this tart. The use of bocconcini mozzarella pearls was a nice touch. Although they may seem a bit bulky to lay on the tart, they’ll melt into a thing of pure beauty and enticing creaminess, in a perfect marriage with the heirloom tomatoes. Let me remind you once more: if using overly juicy tomatoes, drain the slices and pat them dry. They will release more liquid during baking, so there will be no risk of ending with a dried up topping.

I hope there is no penalty for a blog with too many heirloom tomato recipes. If there is, I’m in trouble, because there will be more, I’m afraid… 😉

Barbara, thanks for a great recipe!

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