Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts, a Delightful Ladies Lunch

Nothing feels better after a few weeks of late nights of frozen foods and take-out, then going to the grocery store to stock up and get my hands dirty in the kitchen. So that’s just what I did a few weeks ago when I had a friend who was up for making the 30 mile trek to my house to hang out. Trust me, in the DC area coming from Virginia to Annapolis is like crossing the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon! Between dodging protests and construction it is not an easy task what-so-ever.  So why not greet my hungry traveler with a scrumptious lunch?

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart
Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart, To Die For!
Brownie Pudding a' La Mode
Brownie Pudding a' La Mode

In the past I’ve always had a hard time making fancy lunches.  Dinner always seems like such an easier solution between fancy meat dishes or heavy soups.  So when I stumbled upon this Barefoot Contessa recipe (hello Back to Basics!) I knew I had a lunch-time winner.  This also solved another big cooking dilemma in that it serves as a lovely vegetarian option.  My chica isn’t a herbivore, but it’s still nice to have recipes for those that are, ready to go in your back pocket.

The end result was a sweet and savory tart that tasted even better than it looks!  I was a little perplexed when I read the large amount of onions it called for but once again Ina knows best.  The only change I made to the recipe was to add even a little more tomato.  And don’t let Puff Pastry scare you, its super easy to work with and so flaky and yummy!  I decided to serve the tart with an arugula salad.  If I’m making something time consuming its so much easier when I allow myself to do something simple on the side, rather than get in over my head. So pre-washed arugula it was with some quickly toasted walnuts and a store bought vinaigrette.  Not too shabby!  Of course we can’t have a good gossip fest without chocolate so I tried the Brownie Pudding from the same cookbook.  It turned out delicious although very, very rich.  Next time I might just go for the actual brownie! And it turns out its not just for ladies, Floyd came in from doing yard work and scarfed down two!  The nerve, ha! Anyone else out there got some great lunch recipes I should try?

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart recipe and Brownie Pudding recipe compliments of The Food Network.  Dig in and enjoy!

Megan

p.s. Today is the last day to enter our hapari swimsuit giveaway!

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81 Comments

  7. Yum! I love the Barefoot Contessa. She has some great recipes. You are a good friend. For as much as I love to cook, I probably would have picked something up already made.

    Reply

  29. ooo yum! I have multiple food sensitivites so I am always excited to see recipes of things I can eat guilt free! And goat cheese is pretty much the only cheese I can eat! wooohooo. I think I’ll be putting this on tomorrow’s menu!

    Reply

  34. Looks delicious, Megan.
    Although I’m not a vegetarian, I do often have the vegetarian option. …and I can never resist a brownie.
    A lovely lunch for you and your friend. I will make a note of it. Like you said, it’s always good to have vegetarian dishes in your repetoire. XXXX

    Reply

  39. This looks like a delicious ladies lunch. Tarts always make a good impression, easy to make but everyone thinks you spent alot of time preparing it. Off to copy the recipe – Ina’s is one the best!
    Enjoy,
    Mimi

    Reply

  41. Have to agree – any type of tart is the perfect ‘lunch’ menu. I often whack all sorts on a puff pastry base.
    Try the Jus Rol website for inspiration.
    xx

    Reply

  42. Yum! I’d love the try the goat cheese tarts. We made a turine the other day in cooking class with eggplant and goat cheese/ tomatoes..It was delish.

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  48. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Beer and baseball are definitely some of the best things about summer! Love your blog! This recipe looks great!!!

    Reply

  49. Both looks so yummy…You are making my so hungry:) Thank you for those…I will try them…You are such a sweetheart:)
    Kisses and have a great day:)

    Reply

  51. Ooops, forgot to answer your question! My favorite comfortable bodycon skirts are from Topshop, Urbanoutfitters or express 🙂 xxoxoxoxoo

    Reply

  54. o m gee that looks totally delicious!!!! And the dessert! Soo… if I make a trip over there from Vancouver, I’m going to get a super delish meal right?? It IS much much farther than Virginia!

    xo

    Reply

  55. I might seriously have to try making those tarts. They look super fancy and complicated but the recipe is fairly simple. I love illusions! Thanks, of course, for sharing these with us. Now, I’m STARVING 🙂

    Reply

  58. I don’t think I’ve ever before SALIVATED while reading a post…until NOW!! Those look AWESOME!

    The new site looks TERRIFIC!! Best of luck to you in your new “home!”

    Reply

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