One of my favorite stands at the farmers market is Alex Weiser's. A third-generation farmer, Alex and his family grow a wide variety of potatoes, melons, carrots and peppers. I pick up 3 pounds of small potatoes every week in various types: purple, gold, round or long. These tiny taters pack loads of flavor and are quick to cook over pizza, in omelets, and even in a savory tart.
This recipe was given to me by Ruth Kennison, one of our favorite chocolatiers. Her savory recipes are as inspired as her desserts. Be sure to use all-butter puff pastry (or make a savory pie crust) and whatever herbs strike your fancy.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound small potatoes (we like a blend of purple and fingerling), sliced
1 onion, sliced thinly
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 sprig fresh thyme
6 ounces goat cheese
1 sheet of puff pastry or pie dough, flat
Directions
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Turn the oven to 375. Place potatoes on a cookie sheet, covered, and cook for 25 minutes, or until just beginning to soften. Take the potatoes out, but keep the oven on.
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Heat olive oil with a touch of butter in a sauté pan. Place the onion slices in the hot pan and let caramelize, without stirring too much. This may take up to 15 minutes. Once caramelized, set aside.
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Take an 8- to 10-inch cake pan or a cast iron skillet, and set it on your stove. Place the sugar inside and melt over low heat until a light amber color.
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Turn heat off. Add butter and stir to form a caramel. Don't worry if it looks uneven!
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Place back over low heat and add tomatoes. Add potatoes, thyme, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or just until you get a little color on the potatoes. If this starts looking very dry, add a touch of water.
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Turn the heat off. Add onions, followed by crumbled goat cheese.
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Place dough over the pan or skillet, and tuck it in around the sides. Don't worry about it looking uneven, as this will become the bottom of your tart.
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Place in oven just until the crust is a golden color.
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Remove from oven and flip over within 10 minutes of cooling.
