Puff Pastry

Savory tarts and quiches are traditional in Alsace cooking. The tart and the<epi:recipelink id="102385">Salade Vigneronne epi:recipelinkcan be enjoyed as separate courses, or together.</epi:recipelink></epi:recipelink>

The mixture known as duxelles (diced mushrooms cooked with shallots or onions) probably dates back to the seventeenth century. It is said that the famous chef La Varenne, who worked for the Marquis d'Uxelles, created this recipe to preserve mushrooms. Serve this tart with baby greens for a light lunch, or enjoy it as a starter with a white Burgundy.

The empanadas can be put together ahead of time and popped into the oven to bake just before serving.

Use store-bought puff pastry and raspberry jam for this speedy version of the classic French jalousie tart.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These easy-to-make treats are delicious on their own or with fresh fruit. Keep them in mind for a hostess gift.

(Onion, Anchovy, and Olive Tarts)

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Pastéis de Nata These tarts are best when baked in 1/3-cup muffin cups. However, since many manufacturers have increased the size of their standard tins, we also tested the tarts in 1/2-cup muffin cups. In those cups, the pastry dough doesn't reach the tops, resulting in rather squat tarts.

The sauce is reminiscent of that sentimental summertime favorite, the 50/50 Bar.

Sophistication in a snap. Purchased puff pastry takes most of the work out of making this beautiful tart.

(Torta di Bietola ed Erbe) In the more rugged areas of Tuscany, like the Garfagnana and Lunigiana in the northwest, savory tarts are as popular as their sweet counterparts. Vegetable tarts are quite common and usually include greens and herbs. This one features Swiss chard, thyme and oregano. Other herbs used in such tarts are tarragon, sage, nettles and borage.

Puff pastry as strudel dough is even faster and more convenient than phyllo dough. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt is great alongside.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.