Peach and ham tart appetizer

Peach and Ham Tart - a surprising and delicious combination

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

If you are looking for a quick and tasty recipe that will impress your guests or delight your family, this peach and ham tart is the perfect choice. It is a versatile recipe that combines the sweetness of peaches with the saltiness of ham, all on a base of crispy puff pastry.

The story of this tart comes from culinary traditions, where unexpected combinations of ingredients have always been appreciated. This dish is ideal for appetizers, but it can also be served as an elegant starter at a special dinner.

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g puff pastry (preferably thawed overnight in the refrigerator)
- 150 g cream cheese (you can choose a herb variant for added flavor)
- 100 g ham (preferably a quality ham, such as prosciutto or homemade ham)
- 3 peaches (fresh or canned, but make sure they are well drained)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (ideal for adding a touch of sweetness)

Preparing the tart:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by taking the dough out of the refrigerator and letting it reach room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into mini tarts or leave it whole for a large tart, according to your preference.

2. Forming the border: Make a slight border around the dough, ensuring you don’t cut through completely. This border will help contain the filling and create a pleasing appearance.

3. Cream cheese: Spread the cream cheese inside the border. You can add some fresh herbs, such as dill or basil, to enhance the flavors.

4. Adding the peaches: Slice the peaches thinly and arrange them beautifully over the cream cheese. If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

5. Glazing with honey: Drizzle the honey over the peach slices, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The honey will not only enhance the flavor but will also help caramelize the peaches during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy.

7. Adding the ham: Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly, then add the slices of ham on top. The ham can be arranged carefully for a visually pleasing appearance.

8. Decoration: If desired, you can add a fresh salad for a pop of color and texture. Balsamic vinegar can be an optional ingredient for those who enjoy a more intense flavor.

Serving suggestions:
The tart is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served alongside a green salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, as well as with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade. If you prefer a more sophisticated appetizer, you can accompany the tart with a fruit cocktail.

Useful tips:
- If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with slices of avocado or feta cheese.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Make sure to use a well-preheated oven to achieve a perfectly crispy crust.

Nutritional information:
This tart contains approximately 250 calories per serving, being a combination of carbohydrates from the dough, proteins from the ham, and healthy fats from the cream cheese. The peaches add essential vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with apples, plums, or apricots.
2. Can it be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze the tart after it has been baked, but you can freeze the dough before baking.
3. How can I enhance the flavor? Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

This peach and ham tart is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to explore new flavor combinations. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its deliciousness!