Goat Cheese Tarts

These Goat Cheese Tarts add a sophisticated touch to any summer table setting or wine and cheese party. The center filling is comprised of rich, full-bodied Joan of Arc® Goat Cheese, that pairs perfectly with dried dates, pecans and fresh garden rosemary especially when baked into a light, buttery shell.

When I started blogging it was a way for me to share my love of cooking with others, and preserve recipes and memories for my children. It was a hobby in the beginning that grew into a labor of love.

Despite how far Living the gourmet has come, cooking is still a deep rooted love of mine. It is something I have been, and always will, have a passion for.

On a regular evening, when I am alone and left to my own devices, I turn the music up- these days it's usually jazz, and I let the aromas carry me off someplace far away…

The change of seasons however, brings many changes to my little kitchen. Friends drop in to share a cup of coffee, while family members spontaneously decide to swing by, but those last minute dinner gatherings always turn out to be more than just a 'quick' bite to eat.

The days are longer, and so are the nights.

Some spilled wine and many laughs later, my little kitchen is transformed- but as they say, one man's mess is another man's treasure. A messy kitchen is my treasure. It is a treasure trove of memories that I will always hold dear in my heart.

I look forward to all the 'little messes' this season, as it is a stamp of love, family and happiness.

Little messes, however, can often give birth to big flavor, and that's precisely where I found myself after receiving an invite to my eldest brother's birthday, which we are due to celebrate early next month. Set to take place in the freshly manicured yard of my niece's new home, the theme is set to be purely and simply light summer fare.

More than just my eldest brother's birthday, however, it's also the first family function my middle brother will be attending since recovering from cardiac arrest he suffered in April. In other words, a celebration of life in the purest form - a new summer season, another healthful birthday, and a second lease on life.

To complement the theme, I wanted to bring something light and easy. Fortunately, I had been working with what's quickly becoming one of my new favorite cheese products- Joan of Arc® Goat Cheese, and it would be taking center stage with what I was planning to bring.

Joan of Arc® includes a variety of French and French-style cheeses that are perfect for today's on-the-go shopper that is looking for quick and easy ways to go gourmet. The brand features classic flavors like chevre, brie, camembert and Roquefort that has kept consumers coming back for more since its inception in 1918.

I have a soft spot for savory pastry shells, whether in the form of meticulously crafted phyllo layers or homemade puff pastries, as they are supremely versatile.

In this instance, I opted for a puff pastry, which I formed into delicate squares, with a deep indentation in center, which would cradle the filling. Using the goat cheese as the base for the filling, its signature creamy texture would serve as a harmonizing contrast to a mix of dates, pecans, and garden fresh rosemary, creating a savory but light and ever vague hints of crispness.

Laid out as part of a late spring or early summer tablescape, these puff pastries form an impeccable addition, being light on the palette, pleasing to the eye, and easily paired with a range of summer cuisine.

Just to be sure, I fired up my little kitchen, and made a test batch over the weekend, to which my son and daughter gave an overwhelmingly positive response.

Goat Cheese Tarts

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 7 reviews

• Author: Living the Gourmet
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• Joan of Arc® Traditional Goat Cheese
• 4-5 dried dates, sliced
• 1/8 cup chopped pecans
• 1 sprig fresh Rosemary

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Roll out puff pastry sheet and cut out 6-8 squares.
3. Take a glass or mason jar lid and gently indent the center of each square.
4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each circle. Top with dates, pecans and finally rosemary.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer

The Joan of Arc® website is a great resource for consumers. Not only does it feature a nice sampling of recipes, it also includes wine and beer pairing suggestions that perfectly match the rich flavors of the line's specialty cheeses. Similarly, the brand's Facebook page and Pinterest page are loaded with recipes and serving suggestions. Also, Joan of Arc® Facebook fans are always the first to know about the latest promotions, enter-to-win contests and new items. Follow them today!#JoanOfArcGoat | #FromageSince1918 | #gaga4goatcheese

Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo