Crisp puff pastry hearts filled with goat cheese, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs for a charming starter.
# Components:
→ Pastry
01 - 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed (8.8 oz)
02 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
→ Filling
03 - 4.2 oz fresh goat cheese
04 - 2 tbsp crème fraîche
05 - 1 tbsp honey
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2.1 oz roasted red peppers, finely diced
09 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
11 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish (optional)
12 - Microgreens or baby arugula
13 - Extra honey for drizzling
# Method:
01 - Set oven to 390°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2.75-inch heart-shaped cutter to cut 16 hearts.
03 - Combine goat cheese, crème fraîche, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, chives, basil, and roasted red peppers in a bowl until smooth.
04 - Place 8 hearts on the baking tray. Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of filling onto each, leaving a 0.4 inch border.
05 - Brush borders of the hearts with beaten egg, top with second heart, press edges to seal, and crimp using a fork.
06 - Brush tops with beaten egg and optionally score delicate patterns with a small knife.
07 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
08 - Arrange pastries on a platter, garnish with microgreens, and drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
