The holidays are right around the corner . . . time to start planning your menu! Why not make a lasting impression by turning your favourite sweet treats into savoury ones? Discover pastry recipes that have been revamped for the occasion, perfect for your brunch and happy hour gatherings alike!
A new take on tarte Tatin
For a version that’s both savoury and sweet, try this recipe, which uses caramelized onions in lieu of apples. This pie is enticing for the smoothness of the caramelized onions and the lightness of the goat cheese. It’s the perfect appetizer, offering ultimate simplicity!
Caramelized onion tarte Tatin
Makes 4 portions
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp. butter
5 cups onions, chopped (4 to 5 onions)
Fresh thyme, sprig
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
1 log of goat cheese
1 puff pastry pie crust
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C).
Melt the butter in a pan. Sauté the onions with the thyme leaves, stirring occasionally, until they start to golden. Next, deglaze with balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for one minute. Add salt and pepper, remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.
Spread the onions at the bottom of a pie dish. Slice the goat cheese and place over the onions.
Cover the entire surface of the dish with the puff pastry crust.
Cook in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden. Turn the pie over onto a wooden board.
Happy-hour turnovers
Everyone loves apple turnovers! This delicious, heartwarming pastry is a staple fall dessert. If you’re a fan of the classic, there’s a good chance you’ll love its savoury counterpart as well. To make it, simply use whatever you have on hand to stuff your turnovers, creating delicious combos such as olive and chorizo, pesto and caramelized onions, or ham and brie.
We have a new turnover recipe for you to try and, like the traditional recipe, it features apples. However, the delicate, sweet notes are balanced out by the strong flavours of gruyere cheese. Your guests will definitely be asking for seconds!
Apple and gruyere turnovers
Makes 6 portions
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
Salt
1 tbsp. honey
1 apple, seeds removed, thinly sliced
2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
Tarragon
2 puff pastries
1 egg yolk, whisked
Pepper
Preparation
In a hot pan, sauté the onion in olive oil and season with salt. Mix in the honey. Let caramelize 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
Cut the puff pastry dough into 15 cm x 15 cm squares and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add some caramelized onions, apple slices, gruyere cheese, and a pinch of tarragon in the centre of each square.
Fold each square over, sealing the edges with a fork. Brush with egg yolk. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden.
Savoury cake
Fruit cake and the holidays go hand in hand. This year, try a new take on this classic dessert: the savoury cake! Swap the fruits with veggies, putting cheese or deli meat at the forefront for a most savoury outcome. Zucchini and goat cheese, salmon and mozzarella . . . the savoury cake flavour possibilities are endless!
Savoury dried tomato cake
Makes 6 portions
Prep time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
Salt and pepper
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ cup warm milk
½ cup green olives, pitted
1 cup feta, crumbled
1 cup dried tomatoes, sliced
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Form a well and add the eggs, olive oil, and milk. Mix until smooth.
Add the feta cheese and tomatoes to the dough.
Pour mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
Cook in the oven for approximately 45 minutes.
The holiday rush is not the best time to start planning your holiday. Use the time leading up to the rush to devise culinary creations and test them out before D Day. Planning for the holidays has never been this tasty!
