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**Recipe: Mini Cheese and Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts**
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional, for added flavor)
– 8-10 cherry tomatoes
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Puff Pastry:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
– Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut the puff pastry into circles that will fit into a muffin tin or tart molds.
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2. **Shape the Tart Shells:**
– Grease a muffin tin or tart pan.
– Place each puff pastry circle into the muffin tin cups, pressing gently to form a cup shape.
– Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
3. **Fill the Tarts:**
– Add a small amount of shredded cheese to each puff pastry cup.
– If using diced bell peppers, sprinkle them on top of the cheese.
– Place one whole cherry tomato in the center of each tart.
4. **Egg Wash and Season:**
– Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
– Season with a little salt and pepper.
5. **Bake the Tarts:**
– Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly.
– Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
– Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
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**Variations:**
– **Meaty Version:** Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the cheese filling.
– **Vegetarian Option:** Use a mix of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in place of the meat.
– **Cheese Variations:** Swap mozzarella with feta, goat cheese, or brie for different flavor profiles.
These **Mini Cheese and Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts** are light, flaky, and full of cheesy goodness, perfect for parties or an easy snack. Let me know if you’d like more variations or have any other questions!
