Asparagus Lemon Ricotta Tart Food

ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F and place oven rack in lower third of oven. Unfold the pastry onto a piece of parchment paper and roll 1/2" bigger on all sides. Slide the parchment (and pastry) onto a baking sheet.
• Beat the egg in a bowl. Lightly brush a 1/2" border of egg around the pastry. Add the ricotta and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to the bowl with the remaining egg. Finely grate the zest of the lemon into the bowl; mix to combine. Fold in the chopped scallions and chopped herbs, then spread onto the pastry, leaving the 1/2" border of egg uncovered.
• Top with the asparagus and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine the juice of the lemon, the honey, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss with the greens and remaining scallions and herbs. Serve with the tart.

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.

ASPARAGUS, GOAT CHEESE AND TARRAGON TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, use a fork or a wooden spoon to mash together the goat cheese, egg, garlic, tarragon, lemon zest, salt and nutmeg until smooth. Switch to a whisk and beat in the crème fraîche until smooth.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry into a 13-by-11-inch rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the puff pastry.
• Spread the crème fraîche mixture evenly inside the scored border. Line up the asparagus spears on top, and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and the grated Parmesan over the asparagus.
• Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let it cool on the cookie sheet for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving. Then sprinkle black pepper, red-pepper flakes (if using), the shaved Parmesan and tarragon leaves. Drizzle a little oil on top.