{ladies lunch}

Fresh Tomato Tarts

9oz fresh puff pastry
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp pesto
6 plum tomatoes, sliced
Kosher Sea Salt and Crushed Black Pepper
Fresh thyme leaves to garish (optional, but so good!!)

*On a lightly floured kitchen counter, roll out pastry dough to a rectangle about 12x10 inches.
*Cut rectangle in half and divide each half into 3 pieces to make 6 even pieces. Chill for 20 minutes (ish).
*Lightly score the edges of the dough and brush with the beaten egg.
*Spread the pesto over center, leaving a border on each side.
*Arrange tomato slices on top of pesto.

*Season well with Salt and Pepper and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
*Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes (until well risen and golden brown)

**This can also be made in one large rectangle instead of individual tarts.

In regards to the Pesto...you can choose to make it from scratch. It's supper easy by just blending (basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil...) BUT - as I don't always keep pine nuts on hand and generally like to "kick-up" the flavor with paste anyway, I use the below product. It's fantastic! Lasts for a long time. You can easily mix some good Olive Oil with it and dress pasta or simply spread out on a tart (like above).


Use this recipe as an excuse to have some friends over. They'll be impressed with the yumminess and you'll be happy with the easy preparation!! Oh -- and make sure to tell me if you try it!



{This recipe was adapted from an old recipe I had. I punched up the flavor with my own additions.}