apple, goat cheese, and honey tart

I simply love fall. It's not just the crisp air, or the cool, relaxing weather...the falling leaves, or the colorful foliage...in fact, much of my love for this season is associated with food. (imagine that!). I absolutely love the comforting foods that go along with fall. In fact, I've even made a list of all of the delicious foods I want to make this season (yes, that's the kind of food nerd I am). So let's get started!!

This is an easy dessert that uses fresh apples, creamy chevre, and spicy cinnamon. Perfect for a simple fall dinner party.

If you want some extra indulgence, serve with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Enjoy!

Bon Appetit October 2007

INGREDIENTS

• 2 17.3-ounce packages frozen puff pastry (4 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg, beaten to blend
• 6 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (about 3/4 cup packed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 3 medium Gala apples, peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup honey (preferably dark), divided
• 1/2 teaspoon (scant) ground allspice

PREPARATION

• Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out each puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 11-inch square. Using 5-inch-diameter cookie cutter or bowl, cut out 4 rounds from each pastry sheet, forming 16 rounds total. Divide 8 pastry rounds between prepared baking sheets; pierce rounds all over with fork. Using 3 1/2-inch-diameter cookie cutter or bowl, cut out smaller rounds from center of remaining 8 rounds (reserve 3 1/2-inch rounds for another use), forming eight 5-inch-diameter rings. Brush outer 1-inch edges of 5-inch rounds on baking sheets with beaten egg; top each with 1 pastry ring. Freeze at least 30 minutes.
  
• DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep frozen. Do not thaw before continuing.

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix cheese, lemon juice, and salt in bowl; spread mixture inside rings on frozen pastry rounds. Overlap apple slices atop cheese. Mix butter and 1/4 cup honey in small bowl; brush over apples. Sprinkle with allspice. Bake until apples are tender and pastry is golden, about 35 minutes. Place tartlets on plates. Drizzle 1 tablespoon honey over each and serve warm or at room temperature.
• DO AHEAD Bake the tartlets four to six hours ahead, then store them uncovered at room temperature. Rewarm in a 350°F oven for five to ten minutes. Drizzle tartlets with honey just before serving.