Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie and Grape Salsa

Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie and Grape Salsa Recipe - Vegetarian

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 48 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

These Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie, and Grape Salsa are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any gathering. The combination of sweet grapes, creamy Brie, and crunchy walnuts creates a delicious flavor profile that will impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional tartlets, combining classic ingredients in a new and exciting way. The use of grapes in the salsa adds a fresh and fruity element to the dish, while the Brie provides a creamy and indulgent texture.

Ingredients

1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
0.25 tsp coarse (kosher) salt
2 tbsp finely chopped scallion (green part only)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp walnut oil
0.25 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
0.25 tsp minced garlic
0.13 tsp freshly ground pepper
48 miniature savory pastry shells (1.5 inch diameter)
0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
8 oz (227 g) brie, rind removed

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). In a food processor, combine grapes and salt. Pulse until grapes are coarsely chopped. Transfer the mixture to a fine-mesh sieve and let it stand for at least 10 minutes to drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together scallion, vinegar, oil, rosemary, garlic, and pepper. Add the chopped grapes and mix well.
3. To assemble, place pastry shells on a baking sheet and fill each with 0.5 tsp walnuts, 0.5 tsp Brie, and 0.5 tsp grape salsa (use a fork to add salsa to avoid getting too much liquid). Bake just until Brie begins to melt, about 5 minutes. Do not overbake. Serve immediately.
Do ahead: The grape salsa can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated, but do not add walnut oil until ready to assemble. The tarts can be partially assembled with the walnuts and Brie up to 6 hours in advance. Add salsa up to 30 minutes ahead. Bake as directed.

Variations

Substitute the Brie with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or basil on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the chopped grapes in a sieve before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent the salsa from becoming too watery.

- Use a fork to add the grape salsa to the pastry shells to avoid adding too much liquid.

- Do not overbake the tartlets, as you want the Brie to just begin to melt without becoming too runny.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Miniature Tartlets as a starter at a dinner party or as part of a buffet spread at a cocktail event.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the tartlets enhances their nutty flavor.

- Preparing the grape salsa ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious result.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnut oil, you can use olive oil as a substitute.

- Any type of seedless grapes can be used in the salsa.

Make Ahead Tips

The grape salsa can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated, but do not add the walnut oil until ready to assemble. The tartlets can be partially assembled with the walnuts and Brie up to 6 hours in advance. Add the salsa up to 30 minutes ahead of baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Miniature Tartlets on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These Miniature Tartlets pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Miniature Tartlets contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Miniature Tartlets contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Miniature Tartlets contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Miniature Tartlets contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These Miniature Tartlets are a good source of vitamin C from the grapes and vitamin B12 from the Brie.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Brie) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

These Miniature Tartlets are a delicious and indulgent appetizer option, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

These Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie, and Grape Salsa are a delightful appetizer that combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or special occasions, these tartlets are sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. Martha had always been an excellent cook, and she loved to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. On that particular day, she had prepared a delicious spread of appetizers for us to enjoy.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on glasses of chilled white wine, Martha brought out a tray of miniature tartlets that she had made. The golden pastry shells were filled with creamy brie cheese, toasted walnuts, and a tangy grape salsa. The combination of flavors was absolutely divine, and I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe.

Martha smiled and began to recount how she had come up with the idea for the tartlets. She had been inspired by a trip to France, where she had sampled a similar dish at a charming little bistro in Paris. She had taken notes and adapted the recipe to suit her own tastes, adding her own special touch with the grape salsa.

I was fascinated by her story and couldn't wait to try making the tartlets myself. Martha generously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly set to work in my own kitchen. I carefully followed her instructions, mixing the ingredients together and filling the pastry shells with the delicious brie, walnuts, and grape salsa.

The tartlets turned out even better than I had hoped. The pastry was perfectly crisp and flaky, the brie cheese melted into a creamy decadence, and the grape salsa added a burst of freshness and acidity. I was thrilled with the results and couldn't wait to share the recipe with my own friends and family.

Over the years, I have made these miniature tartlets with walnuts, brie, and grape salsa countless times. They have become a staple at family gatherings, dinner parties, and holiday celebrations. Each time I make them, I think back to that summer day with Martha and smile, grateful for her inspiration and friendship.

I have shared the recipe with many others, passing it on just as Martha did with me. It has brought joy and delight to so many, and I love hearing about the memories and occasions that these tartlets have become a part of. Cooking, for me, has always been about more than just creating delicious food – it is about sharing a piece of myself with others, creating connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

As I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that my recipes will live on through those who have learned them from me. I hope that one day, my grandchildren will make these miniature tartlets with walnuts, brie, and grape salsa, and think of me with fondness and love. And perhaps, they too will share the recipe with someone special, passing on a piece of our family history and tradition for generations to come.