Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts 

These delightful tarts are perfect for appetizers or a light meal! The combination of mushrooms, shallots, and herbed goat cheese on flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:
For the Filling:
2 cups mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or oyster), sliced
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
4 oz herbed goat cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Tarts:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water, optional for brushing)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the fresh thyme and sage, and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into squares or circles, depending on your preference (about 4-6 inches in size).
Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Assemble the Tarts:
Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture onto the center of each pastry piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
Crumble the herbed goat cheese on top of the filling.
If desired, brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious tarts warm!