Best 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.

CELERY ROOT FENNEL GRATIN WITH GRUYERE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 3-quart baking dish. Place the celery root, potatoes, and fennel in a large bowl and toss well.
• In a large measuring cup, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the milk.
• Layer 1/3 of the vegetables in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layering, reserving the last 1/3 of the cheese.
• Pour the milk mixture over all, pressing the vegetables to coat them. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 1 hour, or until the vegetables are very tender.

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 WITH PEAR CONFIT

Steps:

• Peel the pears and cut them in half. Scoop out the seeds with a melon baller or cut them out with a knife. Slice thin and set aside. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until slightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and ginger and stir. Add the pears and reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pear slices are tender and almost translucent and the mixture is thickened, about 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. To serve, shave the cheese with a vegetable peeler or a cheese slicer into thin shards. Toast the bread. Spoon a mound of confit in the center of each serving plate. Fan 4 pieces of toast around the top of the plate, and pile the cheese shards around the bottom.