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In my experience some of the most memorable lunches and parties, are those that happen spontaneously.
But of course, spontaneous and last-minute is no good if you have nothing in the fridge! I find I have my favourite turn-to ingredients, that I know I can rely on and that will adapt to many different recipes. A pack of puff or flaky pastry is just such a thing.
With a pack of puff pastry, I can improvise a wafer thin French apple tart for dessert; mini cheese straws for an appetizer with a glass of wine or this savoury tart for a first course or for a lunch with girlfriends.
To make this very simple but totally delicious tart, I pre-heat the oven to 180°C, then roll out my pastry fairly thinly and pop it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. I like to pre-bake the pastry for a few minutes to ensure a crisp base.
While the pastry is in the oven, I whiz in my mixer, a few fresh basil leaves, a few leaves of roquette salad, some grated parmesan cheese, a little fresh garlic and some pine nuts, along with some olive oil. I aim to obtain an almost liquid paste.
Once the pastry round is just turning golden, I take it out of the oven, and at this point I turn up the oven to 210 C. Next, I smear the pastry all over with my pesto mix, then add a thin layer of tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a little more parmesan; I pour a tiny bit of olive oil over the tomatoes, then pop back into the oven for 20 minutes.
You can serve with a side salad, but I think it looks prettiest with some roquette leaves strewn over the tart.
A girls’ lunch. Quick, easy to put together and totally yummy!
22 comments
That sounds delicious and so simple – I think I'll make it for supper tonight. Unfortunately I don't have any Parmesan in, so might try with Cheddar instead?
Simple dishes are sometimes the most satisfying as they let the ingredients shine. I know that your friends enjoyed the dish.
Bonjour Sharon. I used to make the same tart (almost) for my girlfriends when I lived in Paris. One variation: I would spread some Dijon mustard on the bottom of the crust… You're right: quick, simple and delicious. Too bad I have to pay a small fortune here for [French] pre-packaged puff pastry… Bonne semaine en Normandie. J'espère que la neige a disparu, ou presque… Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Sounds so yummy! These are ingredients I have in my fridge most of the time. Phyllo dough and puff pastry are great for quick appetizers. I will make this for sure. Thank you for sharing.
Wishing you a great week ahead.
Angela
What a great idea! simple and lovely.
thanks for the ideas….
Nancy
Looks simple and yummy…..what could be better?!
Have a lovely week.
Sophia
Elegant, simple, lovely. I've made a similar tarte without the pesto-like bottom layer, but I'm going to try your idea next time.
Yum Sharon!! I am craving that now but feel it wouldn't work so well into my diet! I love tomatoes and love puff pastry…the combination is sinfully good.
I am always on unending search for a go-to lunch for when friends stop by. This is such a great idea.
No pine nuts at this time on the shelves but I am suddenly having a craving for a pizza!
Have a lovely day!
That's my idea of perfection…a fave combination and beautiful too. Also a great reminder re pre-cooking the pastry a bit to crisp it up. Lovely! Thank you!
I will try this, looks so good!
betsy
Always love it when you cook for "us"! 😀
This is a "must try" – tasty and easy to cook. Thank you.
That sounds absolutely yummy!
I'd really like to sit in your garden and enjoy this!! But I will give it a try at home … sounds fresh and delicious! xo
Hi Sharon:
This looks very tasty!!
I find that when thing happen like this with your girlfriends, it works out better than if you had planned a luncheon and the food seems better on those days too. The conversation and the laughter makes it a day to remember.
Pam
xox
Sounds to me like your mood has lifted as the snow melts and Spring is slowly emerging!
Loved your items from the Brocante Tour…..the photos brought back special memories of a trip to Paris with a best girl friend many years ago. The Paris Flea Markets were one of our favorite adventures! You have an excellent eye for "finds" and photography. Keep up the good work…..I look forward to reading you daily!
salivating, saved in my Paprika recipe book, will be trying it for sure!
xo Z
Yum, great idea, thank you for sharing! Alison
If I had all the money in the world, I would love to buy it and turn it into a lovely bed and breakfast. Since I do not, I hope that someone falls in love with it and gives it the care that it richly deserves.
this sounds great!
a couple suggestions to make it a bit more "hearty"…you could add anchovies or pre-cooked lardons (diced, thick-cut bacon) or olives…
thanks for sharing!