Sunny Asparagus Tart

This tart looks as good as it tastes.

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• Pork Recipes
• Family Dinner
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"The distinctive caraway crust and rich, custard-like filling dotted with tender slices of asparagus make you proud to serve it time after time."
-- Susan K., Delafield, Wisconsin

You Will Need
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold butter
2 tablespoons shortening
3 to 5 tablespoons ice water

Filling
1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 pound thinly sliced fully cooked ham, julienned
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese


What to Do
1. In a bowl, combine the flour, caraway and salt; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time; stir with a fork until dough forms a ball. On a floured surface, roll out dough to fit a 10-in. tart pan. Transfer dough to pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.

2. Cut asparagus into 2-1/2-in. pieces. Set tips aside; cut remaining pieces in half. Cook all of the asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes; drain and pat dry.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and egg yolk; gradually add cream (mixture will be slightly lumpy). Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add salt and pepper.

4. Place ham and asparagus pieces (not tips) over crust; pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Pour remaining cream cheese mixture over top. Arrange asparagus tips over tart; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Serves 6-8

From Backyard Living - March/April 2006

 

• Grow Your Own Asparagus
• It's not as tricky as you think...and its fresh taste is fantastic!
• 
• Asparagus Vinaigrette
• Fresh veggies and herbs topped with a tangy dressing make a light and refreshing starter.
• 
• Zesty Cheddar-Asparagus Quiche
• This quiche uses thin-sliced potatoes as a lower-calorie -- but delicious-- crust alternative to traditional pastry.
• 
• Asparagus Ham Crepes
• A rich mushroom and cheese sauce makes this dish a standout.
• 
• Asparagus Salad
• A tangy, homemade dressing nearly steals the show from the crisp-tender asparagus.
• 
• Asparagus Hollandaise Puff
• This dish is so easy to make that you'll be able to serve it often.
• 

Driving a tank in a European village, my friend hit a patch of ice. The tank slid along the streets, stopping only after it smashed through the display of a sweetshop. No one was hurt, but the shop owner fumed, especially after my friend joked, "One kilo of chocolate, please."

"For one kilo," snapped the owner, "you could've used the front door."

 

-- David Bass

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