Rustic Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart

Sunshine on a Plate 🌞🍅This tomato tart is what happens when summer meets sophistication. Juicy, ripe tomatoes take center stage, resting on a creamy bed of tangy goat cheese that’s been brightened up with just the right kiss of lemon zest. And let’s not forget the flaky, golden crust—because every star needs a red carpet.

It’s fresh, zippy, and packed with flavor, like a garden party wrapped in pastry. Serve it warm or at room temp, with a crisp glass of something cold and a few friends who “just stopped by” (because they smelled it from down the street).

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry sheets (1 box…I like fresh or Pepperidge Farms)

• 11 ounces goat cheese (1 large goat cheese logs – Trader Joes)

• 8 ounces mascarpone (or cream cheese)

• 1-2 tablespoon lemon rind + 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 large eggs

• 8 ripe heirloom tomatoes of assorted colors (red, green, yellow, and orange)

• Optional: bell peppers & shallots, thinly sliced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh herb/s of your choice and/or Herbs de Provence

Directions:

1. Thaw pastry (if frozen).

2. Thinly slice the tomatoes and lay them on paper towels.  Lightly sprinkle with salt and allow to sit and sweat of some of the natural moisture (approximately 20 minutes). 

3. Thoroughly mix the 2 eggs, goat cheese, lemon, lemon rind, salt, pepper, and herbs. Set aside.

4. Preheat the oven to 350º degrees.

5. Place the pastry onto a Silpat on a cookie sheet (or parchment paper) push the pastry out into your desired shape adding a little lip around the edge.

6. Top the dough with the goat cheese mixture (you might not use it all)…about ¼ inch thick.

7. Pat the tomatoes to dry a bit. and arrange over the goat cheese/egg mixture, in slightly overlapping them. Top with a sprig of thyme, if desired.

8. Optional: drizzle on a little olive oil. Place in the oven and bake 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a bit before serving. Can serve at any temperature, but it is fabulous while still warm and freshly baked.  (It reheats easily in the oven or microwave too).

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