Buffalo Blue Puff Pastry Tartlets with Pears, Fig & Honey Chutney and Chopped Walnuts

StarterServes 18 Canapes / 6-8 starters

The first in their new series of simple festive recipes using their award-winning range, these Puff Pastry Tartlets from the team at Thirsk based Shepherds Purse Cheeses make perfect starters or, if cut into smaller pieces, indulgent festive canapes. Pairing their creamy Buffalo Blue cheese with fresh pears and Fig & Honey chutney creates a delicious balance of sweet and savoury flavours, whilst the walnuts deliver a pleasing crunch! For more recipe inspiration visit www.shepherdspurse.co.uk

Ingredients

140g Buffalo Blue

2 Pears

2 Puff pastry sheets

18 walnuts, chopped (optional)

1 jar of Fig & Honey Chutney (195g)

1 egg beaten

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 C degrees.
  2. Unfold puff pastry sheet (cold and straight from the fridge) and cut into your desired number of pieces (18 canapes or 6-8 tarts)
  3. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Placing each about an inch apart.
  4. Score a crust about a half inch from the edge of each tart, and using a pastry brush, paint the beaten egg just across the outer crust of each.
  5. Spread a small spoonful of the chutney across the centre of each, keeping it within the scored lines.
  6. Place 4-5 thin slices of pear in the centre of each, overlapping them like a fan.
  7. Divide the cheese between the tarts, gently pressing it into the pears to ensure that it stays put. Sprinkle over the chopped walnuts (if using).
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes (slightly less if making canapes) or until the edges are golden brown and the puff pastry is cooked through. Enjoy!