Wild Mushroom Tart

Instructions

Quick Puff Instructions

1. Step
   Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, crumble butter into flour leaving large, pea-sized chunks of butter.
2. Step
   Add the salt and water, and mix until the dough just comes together (1-2 minutes).
3. Step
   Press dough into a 2-inch thick rectangle and wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Rest 10 minutes.
4. Step
   Roll out to half-inch thick and fold into three, much like you would fold a letter into an envelope. Roll out to .-inch again and repeat for a total of 3 times or 3 'letter folds'.

Mushroom Filling Instructions

1. Step
   Heat a medium-sized pot with the olive oil and melt 1 tbsp butter on medium high heat.
2. Step
   Add the thinly sliced onion and cover. Stir every minute or two until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Step
   Turn the heat to high and add the sugar, stirring more frequently so the onions don’t burn but the sugar caramelizes. When the onions look caramel in colour, add the brandy, then cook off the alcohol and reduce until almost dry.
4. Step
   With this recipe you can make one large tart or several small ones. Cut the dough to fit the top of your tart ring mold or pan and reserve.
5. Step
   Brush the bottom of the tart pan with butter and oil and add the sliced raw mushrooms. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and fresh thyme leaves. Add the caramelized onions and top with the puff pastry. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the pastry has visibly risen and is dark caramel in colour. You want to ensure the pastry is cooked all the way through, so gently lift the side of the pastry to see the underside is cooked.
6. Step
   Once baked, invert the tart, flipping the pan so the pastry is on the bottom.
7. Step
   Serve warm and garnish with grated hard cheese like an aged Ontario Gouda or extra old Ontario cheddar.