Inspirations by Nancy

Cooking with Nancy O: Flavor-Packed Tomato Tarts Fresh from the Garden

Episode Summary

Craving a savory, fresh, and incredibly easy dish? In this episode, Nancy and Rick walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering Tomato & Cheese Tart that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy family dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests. Using fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and herbs from their garden, they prepare a flaky puff pastry base, layer it with herbed goat cheese, and top it off with vibrant, juicy tomatoes. You’ll hear about the magic of pairing basil with tomatoes, tips for working with puff pastry, and creative garnishing ideas like balsamic glaze and olive oil. Plus, they share fun ways to get kids involved in the kitchen and ideas to make this dish festive for holidays. With just a few simple ingredients, this tart is easy to assemble and bursting with flavor—making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves garden-fresh cooking! Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this delightful tart that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Episode Notes

"I’m not a glutton - I am an explorer of food." - Erma Bombeck

Episode Summary:

Indulge in the flavors of France with this exquisite Classic Ratatouille recipe straight from Nancy’s Tower Garden!

In this culinary journey, Nancy and Rick bring the rustic charm of Provence to your kitchen, where fresh vegetables are transformed into a harmonious medley of tastes and textures. Whether you're an experienced chef or a novice cook, with this quick and easy recipe you’ll create a masterpiece showcasing the best of seasonal produce that not only delights your taste buds but also impresses your family and friends. Join us in this culinary adventure as we explore the timeless elegance of Ratatouille.

Order your Tower Garden today!

https://nancyocares.com/a-healthier-you/

In This Episode:

• Basil and cherry tomatoes - the perfect pairing.
• Using fresh ingredients from the garden to enhance flavor.
• Easy-to-make tarts using puff pastry.
• Creative ways to add color and add fresh tomatoes to your dish.
• Adding herb goat cheese to elevate the taste of recipes.
• Incorporating cooking as a fun activity for your famiy.
• How this simple and delicious tart can be served as an appetizer or main dish.
• Finishing touches to make your dish festive for the holidays.

Today’s Recipe: Tomato & Cheese Tart 

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet pre-made, frozen puff pastry (thawed as per package instructions)
• 5.2 oz herbed goat cheese (or herb cream cheese), at room temperature
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (variety of colors, halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Optional: Balsamic glaze, parsley, olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a floured surface.
   • Score a ½-inch wide border around the edges of the pastry sheet. This will help create a raised edge.
   • Using a fork, poke holes in the center of the pastry to prevent it from puffing up.
3. Spread the Cheese:
   • Spread the herbed goat cheese (or cream cheese) evenly inside the scored border.
   • Make sure the cheese is at room temperature to ensure easy spreading.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
   • Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese, cut side up. Use a variety of colors for visual appeal.
5. Bake the Tart:
   • Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
   • Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes to ensure the puff pastry doesn’t burn.
   • The edges should be golden and puffed, while the center remains slightly flat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   • Optionally, drizzle balsamic glaze, olive oil, or sprinkle parsley on top for extra flavor.
7. Serving Suggestions:
   • Slice the tart and serve as an appetizer or a light main dish.
   • This recipe works great for brunch, lunch, or even as a festive dish for holiday gatherings.

You can be creative with the shapes—try cutting the pastry into festive shapes for holidays like Christmas or Halloween.

For an extra touch, serve alongside a salad or with a side of protein for a more complete meal.

Enjoy this colorful and flavorful tart that’s simple to make and sure to impress!

Get in Touch with Nancy O:

• https://nancyocares.com/
• https://n-o3.juiceplus.com/us/en
• www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm
• https://www.facebook.com/inspirationsbynancy
• nancy@nancyocares.com

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