Asparagus and Cheese Tart

Asparagus is another spring food that I find irresistible. In fact, my husband refers to this delectable food as "the queen mother of all vegetables." I would have to agree, although, artichokes are right up there too.

Our favorite way to enjoy asparagus is either roasted or grilled (with olive oil, garlic and seasonings). I wanted to make a savory tart that included aspargus and found this recipe on one of my many favorite blogs— Closet Cooking. I did change the recipe a bit however. I went to buy the gruyére cheese and knew that it was expensive but oh my! At my local Walmart it was $13.95 for a half a pound! Ummmm, talk about sticker shock! Time to change the recipe a bit. So, I settled for swiss cheese. I am very happy to report that we did not miss the gruyére.

This tart was very tasty. It works well as a side dish or, it would make a wonderful appetizer. The "queen mother" never disappoints!

Asparagus and Cheese Tart

Adapted slightly from Closet Cooking

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to the packages directions)

2 tablespoon honey dijon mustard

2 cups swiss cheese (sliced or grated), or gruyére cheese

1 pound asparagus (cleaned and bottom of stalk broken off)

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Roll the puff pastry out to a 15x10 inch rectangle.

Score a line around the puff pastry 1 inch from the edge.

Brush the mustard around the inside of the cut.

Sprinkle the cheese over the mustard.

Arrange the asparagus in a single layer over the cheese.

Season with salt and pepper.

Brush the outside inch of the pastry with the oil.

Bake in a preheated 400F oven until the asparagus is tender and the pastry is golden brown, about 15-25 minutes.