Reblochon Tarts With Bacon & Fingerling Potatoes

Manami's Note:

F&W Magazine, October 2008 edition. Terrence Brenan s the author of this recipe as it originally appeared in this edition. From Pairing of the Day: October 2008, Strategies for Cooking with Cheese. With a golden layer of puff pastry topped by caramelized onions, soft potatoes, bacon and tangy Reblochon cheese, this tart is lighter than the sum of its parts, making for a satisfying fall dish that’s great any time of day. The Reblochon, a washed-rind cheese from France, can be replaced with a robust Taleggio from northern Italy or the smooth French soft-ripened cow’s-milk cheese Saint-Andre. Wine suggestions: the earthy, berry-rich flavors of Pinot Noirs from California’s Santa Lucia Highlands work well as partners for washed-rind cheeses like the Reblochon in this tart. Jason Miller likes to pour the silky 2005 Logan Pinot Noir. The floral 2006 Morgan Twelve Clones is an equally good option Now that I have finished with the preliminaries I have to say these were delicious - with cheese being melted over the caramelized onions was a real treat - to say the least. ;)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 medium fingerling potatoes
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion , thinly sliced
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes
• all-purpose flour , for rolling
• ½ lb cold all-butter puff pastry (we used 1/2 a box of Pepperidge Farm)
• ¼ lb reblochon cheese , rind removed and cheese thinly sliced

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook over high heat until tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain, then peel and thinly slice crosswise.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to paper towels.
5. Cut the slices in thirds.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F
7. Pour off the bacon fat in the skillet and add the oil.
8. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until softened and browned, about 15 minutes; add water as necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent scorching.
9. Transfer the onion to a bowl; season with salt, pepper, & crushed red pepper flakes.
10. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry to an 11-inch square.
12. Using a plate as your guide, cut out four 5-inch rounds.
13. Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet and prick them all over with a fork.
14. Bake the rounds in the center of the oven for about 8 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
15. Using the back of a fork, deflate the rounds and bake for about 4 minutes longer, until the pastry is just set.
16. Top the pastry rounds with the onion, potato slices, bacon and cheese.
17. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pastry is browned.
18. Transfer the tarts to plates; serve hot or warm.

Reviews

[Karen & Angel]

This was so, so good! I was actually really surprised at how good something so simple could be. I thought the potatoes would just be filler, but they're weirdly integral to the dish. And with that creamy cheese and onion.... it's heaven. Probably went a little heavy on the bacon and onion. Served this with an arugula salad and some white wine for a dinner, and it was wonderful, easy, and totally satisfying. Will definitely be making again!