Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with White Cheddar and Fresh Thyme

Use a good qUality white cheddar cheese for these tasty little tarts.

Vegetable Oil 2 Tbs

Yellow Onions 1 1/2 lbs, halved and thinly sliced

Kosher Salt 1 tsp, or to taste

Unsalted Butter 2 Tbs

Tart Apples 1 lb, peeled and sliced

1/8” thick

Sugar 1 tsp

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 2 oz, coarsely grated

Fresh Chives 2 Tbs, minced

Fresh Thyme

1 tsp, chopped

Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Frozen Puff Pastry 1 x 1 lb package, thawed

Milk ¼ cup

White Cheddar Cheese 2 oz, freshly shredded

1 WARM the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and 1 tsp salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature.

2 POSITION an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and a rack in the lower third and preheat to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

3 IN the onion pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples and sugar and stir to coat. Cook, stirring often until the apples are just starting to caramelize and have softened — about 10 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the onions and stir in the cheese, chives, thyme and pepper.

4 CUT the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the squares about 1 inch apart. Brush the squares with milk and place 1 tsp white cheddar followed by a heaping Tbs of onion mixture in the center of each square. Season with salt and pepper.

5 BAKE until the pastry is crisp underneath and golden brown on top, about 20–25 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks, cool to room temperature and serve.