Red Pepper Ham Cheese Tart Food

HAM AND CHEESE PUFF TART

Steps:

• On a floured work surface, roll each sheet puff pastry to a 10-by-13-inch rectangle. Transfer to 2 parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add flour; cook, stirring, until golden, 1 minute. Whisking constantly, add milk and simmer. Stir until thickened, 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and pinch of nutmeg. Pour sauce into a bowl and let cool 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in lower third. Arrange ham evenly on 1 pastry sheet, leaving a 3/4-inch border; top with cheese and sauce. Brush pastry border with egg; top with second pastry sheet. Fold bottom edges over top and press to seal. Brush top with egg and cut vents in tart. Bake until browned and puffed, 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

HAM AND CHEESE IN PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan.
• Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry on a floured board and carefully roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place it on a sheet pan and brush the center with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Place a layer first of ham and then cheese, also leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the border with the egg wash.
• Place the second sheet of puff pastry on the floured board and roll it out to 10 by 12inches. Place the second sheet on top of the filled pastry, lining up the edges. Cut the edges straight with a small, sharp knife and press together lightly. Brush the top with egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve hot or warm.

GOAT'S CHEESE & RED PEPPER TART

Steps:

• Cook the onions in the oil for 6-7 mins, until they are softened and lightly coloured, then add the balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp water. Cook for a further 2-3 mins. Roughly chop the olives and stir in. Leave to cool.
• Halve the peppers, remove the seeds and core. Put under a hot grill, skin side up, until the skins are charred. Remove and put into a food bag until cool enough to handle, then peel off the skins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Roll out the pastry and line a 23-24cm deep flan tin. Line with baking paper and beans, then bake for 10 mins. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for 5 mins more, until the pastry is golden and crisp.
• Spread the onion mix over the base of the pastry case. Put the halved peppers on top, cut side up with tapered ends towards the centre. Slice the goat's cheese and put a few slices in each pepper half. Tuck the tomatoes in the gaps between the peppers.
• Bake for 20-25 mins until the cheese is lightly tinged brown and the tomatoes have burst. Scatter over the herb leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.