Cheese, Leek and Walnut Tarts

Here's a nice winter warmer recipe for you. It can be cooked as a starter or as part of a main meal.

I got this recipe from the Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook 2012. It actually calls for Roquefort cheese but I am not a lover of blue cheese so I substituted it for Mature Cheddar.

 

What you will need:

• 375g ready-rolled puff pastry
• 40g butter, plus extra for greasing
• 2 medium eggs
• 400g trimmed leeks, thinly sliced
• 2tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 100g extra mature cheese, sliced into six triangles
• 75g chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (gas mark 6). Unroll the pastry and cut in half length ways, then cut each half into 3 equal squares. Using the tip score a smaller square into each to make a frame.
2. Place the squares on a greased baking tray and brush over with one lightly beaten egg, then chill for 10 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes until well risen and golden.
3. Carefully lift the top layers of the inner squares with a fork.
4. Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the leeks. Cook for about 10 minutes or until soft. Beat the remaining egg and add to the leeks with the chives. Season to taste.
5. Put a slice of cheese on each tart (you can use whatever cheese you like) and top with walnuts.
6. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and heated through.

Perfect served with mini jackets.