Goat Cheese And Cherry Tomato Tartlets

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. With a cookie cutter or possibly a knife cut four circles, 3 inches in diameter. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet & return to freezer for 20 min.
2. To bake, place another piece of parchment over puff pastry rounds & a baking sheet on top. This ensures the puff pastry to rise proportionately & not to high. Bake in oven for 10 - 15 min rotating pan to ensure even cooking. When golden remove from oven & allow to cold.
3. Goat Cheese Mix:In a stainless steel bowl or possibly a kitchen aid with a whisk attachment. Whisk goat cheese with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and white pepper. Chill till ready to use.
4. Caramelized Onions:In a large pot over medium heat, add in oil. When warm, add in onions & thyme. Allow to sweat. When onions are transparent increase heat to medium high & stir with a wooden spoon till onions are caramelized (scraping bottom of the pot to prevent burning). When onions are a dark brown, season with salt and freshly grnd white pepper. Remove thyme bundle & chill onions till ready to use.
5. To Assemble:In a round mould, place puff pastry on bottom and spread with caramelized onions. Dot the top with goat cheese. In a fry pan with a little extra virgin olive oil slightly hot cherry tomatoes. Place tomatoes on top of goat cheese to cover entire surface. Place in oven for 4 - 5 min to heat thoroughly.
6. Balsamic Reduction:In a small pot over medium heat, reduce vinegar to 1/2 c.. Stir occasionally to ensure vinegar does not burn on the bottom. Remove from heat & allow to cold. Place in an airtight container & chill till needed.
7. Basil Oil:In a small pot of boiling water, briefly blanch herbs & immediately shock in ice water to preserve colour. Dry thoroughly. Puree in blender & gradually add in oil. Chill overnight. Strain through a cheesecloth lined sieve. Chill oil till needed.
8. To Serve:In the center of a large plate place 1/2 tsp of goat mix. Place goat cheese tart on top & carefully remove the mould. Drizzle basil oil & balsamic reduction around the tart. Serve immediately.