CARAMELIZED FENNEL TARTS

Caramelized Fennel Tarts image

Fennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it's cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I've served these as a side dish and as an appetizer.-Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

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Ingredients

2 medium fennel bulbs, quartered and thinly sliced, fronds reserved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 102mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.