Puff Pastry

Since the crust is made with purchased puff pastry, this delightful savory tart comes together easily.

This dessert is as impressive as it is simple. And any number of variations would be equally tempting. Try using a mixture of apples and pears, substituting ground ginger for the cinnamon, or sprinkling the warm tart with finely chopped pecans.

Savory tarts and quiches are traditional in Alsace cooking. The tart and the<epi:recipelink id="102385">Salade Vigneronne epi:recipelinkcan be enjoyed as separate courses, or together.</epi:recipelink></epi:recipelink>

The mixture known as duxelles (diced mushrooms cooked with shallots or onions) probably dates back to the seventeenth century. It is said that the famous chef La Varenne, who worked for the Marquis d'Uxelles, created this recipe to preserve mushrooms. Serve this tart with baby greens for a light lunch, or enjoy it as a starter with a white Burgundy.

The empanadas can be put together ahead of time and popped into the oven to bake just before serving.

Use store-bought puff pastry and raspberry jam for this speedy version of the classic French jalousie tart.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These easy-to-make treats are delicious on their own or with fresh fruit. Keep them in mind for a hostess gift.

(Onion, Anchovy, and Olive Tarts)

Puff pastry as strudel dough is even faster and more convenient than phyllo dough. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt is great alongside.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.