Asparagus Leek And Morel Tart Food

ASPARAGUS AND CHEESE TART

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with ice water. Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the asparagus; cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Drain and transfer to the ice water to stop the cooking; drain and pat dry. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Roll out the puff pastry into a 10-by-16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Bake until light golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
• Meanwhile, mix the fontina, comte, shallot, egg yolks, milk, nutmeg and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a bowl until combined. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange the asparagus on the tart and bake until the cheese mixture is slightly puffy, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the lemon zest. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LASAGNA WITH ASPARAGUS, LEEKS, AND MORELS

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks; cook until wilted, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in same skillet. Add asparagus, mushrooms, and thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add to bowl with leeks and toss to distribute evenly. Add broth, cream, and bay leaf to same skillet and boil over high heat until slightly thickened, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle flour over and whisk to blend. Boil until sauce thickens, about 1 minute, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg; discard bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Vegetables and sauce can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat four 2-cup shallow oval or round baking dishes with nonstick spray. Break off corners of noodles to fit flatly into dishes. Spoon 1/4 cup sauce into each dish. Place 1 noodle atop sauce. Scatter 1/4 cup vegetable mixture over, spreading in even layer. Drizzle 2 tablespoons sauce over. Sprinkle rounded tablespoonful cheese over each. Repeat layering 2 more times with noodles, vegetables, sauce, and cheese. Drizzle remaining sauce over lasagnas.
• Cover each dish tightly with foil. Place on rimmed baking sheet and bake until noodles are tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese begins to brown, about 6 minutes. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before serving.

ASPARAGUS & CHEESE TART

Steps:

• Put the flour in a bowl, add the butter to the flour and rub in with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the grated cheddar into the pastry and mix. Add 3 tbsp cold water and mix until the pastry forms a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill for 5 mins. Butter a 20 x 6cm deep loose-bottom tart tin, or a 35 x 12cm rectangular tart tin.
• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Lightly dust the work surface with flour, roll out the pastry and line the tin. Chill in the freezer for 20 mins, then line the pastry case with baking paper, fill with beans and cook for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, then return the pastry case to the oven for 10 mins.
• Crack the eggs into a jug, whisk, then add the milk and whisk again. Sprinkle half the grated cheese over the pastry case, then add the asparagus, egg mix and remaining cheese (if using a rectangular tin, you may not need all the mixture, so add it gradually). Bake in the lower half of the oven for 30-35 mins or until the egg mix is set.

ASPARAGUS LEEK TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Fit pre made pie crust into a 9 inch tart pan, with removal bottom (if you use the crusts that come rolled -- usually don't have to roll out creases).
• Press pastry into sides of pan, put into freezer for 15 minutes.
• Blind bake for 15 to 17 minutes until crust is golden, cool completely.
• Spread asparagus on a large jellyroll pan; spray with cooking spray and shake to get all sides, sprinkle with salt, roast until tender about 10 minutes.
• Cool and transfer to a plate.
• In a large skillet over med heat, melt butter. Add leeks, dill and salt (optional) cover and cook over med low heat until leeks have softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Transfer to small bowl.
• In a med bowl, whisk together milk and eggs, leeks and pepper.
• Pour unto crust.
• Arrange asparagus on top of milk mixture; sprinkle top with cheese.
• Bake until filling is set and golden on top, approx 30 minutes.
• Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

ASPARAGUS & LEEK TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375F.
• Lay out 1 sheet of phyllo pastry then bush lightly with olive oil and some parmesan cheese.
• Repeat with remaining layers.
• With a sharp knife cut layers into 4 pieces.
• Snuggle pastry into 4 single serving casserole dishes (approx. 1 1/2 cup capacity).
• Refrigerate until ready to fill.
• To make filling slice the leeks into 1/4" rings and wash well then drain.
• Slice the asparagus into 1 1/2" pieces.
• Melt buttering in a large skillet over medium heat and cook leeks and asparagus until tender crisp, about 6 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large bowl stir together cheeses, sour cream, thyme and egg.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spoon mixture evenly among the pastry shells and place asparagus & leeks on top.
• Place dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.
• Serve warm or cool.

CHEESY ASPARAGUS TART

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the leeks, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Unroll the two pie crusts and lay on a sheet pan so that the pieces overlap slightly. Trim the edges of the pastry where it rides up the sides of the sheet pan and press these trimmings into the bare areas so that you are left with a 10-by-16-inch pastry rectangle.
• Sprinkle over the fontina, leaving a 1-inch border, then top with the leeks. Dollop on the ricotta. Scatter the thyme and asparagus pieces over the ricotta and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold the uncovered pastry edge inwards to make a 1/2-inch border all the way around the tart, in the style of a galette.
• Whisk the egg with a splash of water in a small bowl. Brush it all around the pastry edge.
• Bake the tart until it is a deep golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. (If the crust is browning too fast, reduce the heat to 425 degrees F.)
• Remove the tart from the oven, then allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Cut into pieces and serve.

ASPARAGUS AND WILD LEEK TART WITH GOAT CHEESE AND RED PEPPER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Wash the asparagus and cut off the bottom of the stems that are greenish-white and tough. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon salt, submerge the asparagus for 30 seconds to blanch, remove the asparagus from the pot and quickly submerge in iced water to shock. Set the asparagus aside.
• From the wild leeks, trim off the dirty roots and snip an inch off the tops, before washing them carefully in cold water. Heat a saute pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter begins to foam add the wild leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the broth to the wild leeks and simmer until all of the broth has evaporated but be careful not to burn the leeks. Remove from the saute pan and allow to cool.
• Prepare a space to work with the phyllo dough: unwrap the dough and cover with a cloth, have a brush and the olive oil ready and have a cookie sheet ready on which the tart will be baked. Begin by lightly brushing the center of the cookie sheet with a film of olive oil. Next, lay the first sheet of dough on the cookie pan, brush the dough lightly with oil and overlap width wise the next sheet over only half of the first so that now the two sheets make a pastry sheet 50 percent wider (not longer) than the original dimension of the pastry. Don't be concerned if the lengthwise ends of the dough are overflowing from the edges of the pan: all of the edges of the dough will be rolled up to form the edges of the tart.
• Brush the second sheet of dough with oil and lay another sheet squarely over the first so that in alternating this pattern you build your wide pastry base. Continue to alternate the dough sheets, brushing each layer with oil, until you have used half the package of dough.
• Gather the edges of the phyllo between the tips of your fingers and begin to roll them toward the
• center to form the sides of the tart. Roll uniformly inward until the rolled edge is even all around and the round tart resembles a pizza. Leave a pastry base of 10 to 12 inches into which the vegetables and cheese will go after the tart shell is blind baked.
• Place the empty tart shell into the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove the pastry from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before filling. This pastry preparation can be done over the course of several hours and can even be done a day or two ahead if the blind baking is reserved until the last moment and the raw pastry is covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated.
• To fill the tart crumble the goat cheese and spread it evenly over the base of the tart. Next add an even layer of wild leeks, followed by the asparagus which should be fanned, tips out, from the center of the tart. Season the tart lightly with salt and pepper, place into the 375 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has softened and the crust becomes a rich golden brown. Serve immediately.
• While the tart is baking (or ahead of time if possible) prepare the vinaigrette. Place the red pepper, mustard, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse to chop the red pepper to a fine dice. When the pepper has been pulsed enough, begin to drizzle in the walnut oil to create an emulsified dressing.
• Serve the tart with a small green salad and a drizzle of red pepper vinaigrette.

ASPARAGUS, LEEK AND MOREL TART RECIPE

Steps:

• Crust: Combine flour and salt in bowl. Cut butter into flour with 2 knives or in food processor until butter is size of peas. Drizzle in water and mix just until dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour. Roll out dough into 13-inch circle on lightly floured surface. Place in 12-inch tart pan. Fold any excess dough back into pan and press against sides. Place piece of foil or parchment paper on top of crust and fill with pie weights, rice or beans. Bake at 375 degrees until edges barely begin to brown, about 20 minutes. Remove weights and foil or parchment paper. Filling: Note: If you can't find fresh morels, soak dried ones in hot water until they regain their shape. Cut all but 1 inch of green tops off leeks. Split down middle and rinse very well. Cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. There should be about 4 1/2 to 5 cups sliced leeks. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and season with salt to taste. Saute, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool. Quickly rinse mushrooms in cold running water. If using morels, halve lengthwise. If using chanterelles or porcini, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Saute mushrooms in remaining 1 tablespoon butter over high heat until most of liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool. Spread leeks in bottom of tart shell. Spread mushrooms over leeks. Cover with grated cheese. Place on baking sheet or piece of foil. Bake at 400 degrees until cheese begins to melt, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Trim each asparagus spear to 5 1/2 inches. Place asparagus spears on top of cheese like spokes of wheel. Place cherry tomatoes in decorative fashion, cut-side up, on cheese. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Season to taste with salt. Bake at 400 degrees until cheese is bubbly and asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes. This recipe yields 10 servings. Each serving: 305 calories; 368 mg sodium; 59 mg cholesterol; 21 grams fat; 21 grams carbohydrates; 11 grams protein; 1.40 grams fiber

LEERDAMMER & ASPARAGUS TART

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200C /Fan 180C /Gas Mark 6. First make the pastry: sift the flour, mustard, cayenne and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, then stir in the cheese. Add 45-60ml (3-4tbsp) cold water and mix to a firm dough. Lightly knead, then wrap in cling film and chill for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Melt the butter in a frying pan, add the leeks and saute for 2 minutes or until tender. Blanch the asparagus spears in a large pan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again. Beat the eggs and creme fraiche together and season well.
• Roll out the pastry and use to line a 20cm/8in fluted flan tin. Line the case with baking parchment and half fill with baking beans. Bake for 20 minutes, removing the paper and beans for the final 5 minutes.
• Reduce the oven to 180C /Fan 160C /Gas Mark 4. Scatter half the cheese over the pastry base, top with the leeks and asparagus. Pour over the egg mixture then scatter over the remaining cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and filling set. Serve warm with salad.

ASPARAGUS, LEEK & GRUYERE TART IN TARRAGON SAVORY CUSTARD

Steps:

• Make pastry.
• Mix together flour, salt, and butter in a bowl with your fingertips or a pastry blender (or pulse in a food processor) until most of mixture resembles coarse meal with some small (roughly pea-size) butter lumps. Drizzle evenly with egg and gently stir with a fork (or pulse in processor) just until a dough forms.
• Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 portions. With heel of your hand, smear each portion once or twice in a forward motion to help distribute fat. Gather dough into a ball, then flatten into a 5-inch disk. Chill dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 30 minutes.
• Make filling while pastry chills.
• Wash leek in a bowl of cold water, agitating water, then lift out leek and pat dry.
• Cook asparagus in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer asparagus with tongs to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry. Cut off and reserve tips (leave more stalk if asparagus is thin), then thinly slice stalks crosswise. Set 6 or so pieces of the asparagus aside for decoration, if you choose to.
• Heat butter in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat until foam subsides, then cook leek with 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in remainder of sliced asparagus and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and quickly remove from heat.
• Finish filling and assemble and bake tart.
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.
• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin into an 11-inch round, then fit dough inside 10" tart pan, pressing dough against bottom edge and side of ring. Run rolling pin over top edge of ring to cut off excess dough.
• Whisk together cream, 2 eggs, tarragon, leeks and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spoon asparagus into shell, spreading evenly, then pour cream mixture over asparagus.
• Bake tart until filling is just beginning to set but still loose on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Scatter 6 or so asparagus tips set aside earlier over top, pressing lightly if necessary to help them settle into filling, then continue to bake until custard is golden and just set but still slightly wobbly in center, about 30 minutes more (custard will continue to set as it cools).
• Cool tart on baking sheet on a rack until warm, about 30 minutes. Loosen edge with a small sharp knife, then lift off flan ring. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.

ETTA'S ASPARAGUS AND LEEK TART

Steps:

• Directions: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Bring a pot of water to the boil and blanch the asparagus a few minutes until just barely cooked.
• Drain and immediately plunge the asparagus in a bowl of ice water.
• Drain again and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a saute pan or skillet over medium heat and add the julienned leeks.
• Saute a few minutes then cover and turn the heat to low and slowly cook leeks until soft, stirring occasionally, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Set aside to cool.
• Sprinkle half the Swiss and half the parmesan cheeses over the bottom of the prebaked tart shell.
• Evenly spread the leeks and asparagus in the shell.
• Sprinkle the vegetables with the herbs and the rest of the Swiss and parmesan.
• In a bowl, using a whisk, beat the eggs, yolks, cream, salt and pepper.
• Pour the custard over the filling ingredients.
• (Tip: it's easier to fill the tart without spilling over the edge if you put half the custard in a Pyrex measuring cup and pour it into the tart when the tart is already in the oven.) Place the tart on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden and the custard is set.
• (You can check by inserting the tip of a small knife into the center of the tart. It should be soft but not runny.) Remove the tart from the oven, slice into wedges, and serve warm.