Beet Goat Cheese Heart Tartlets

Recipe Introduction: Tickle Your Taste Buds With Valentines Appetizers

Fancy something scrummy for Valentine's Day? Ever thought about what to serve before the main course? I have! Let's dive into making some valentines appetizers that scream romance and taste divine.

These aren't just any nibbles; these beet and goat cheese heart tartlets are like a little edible love note.

Cupid's Cuisine: A Romantic Appetizers Overview

These adorable, heart shaped appetizers hail from a twist on French bistro style. They're sophisticated enough for date night but easy enough to whip up without a culinary degree.

It is a medium level task that takes about one hour and twenty five minutes to create six portions. Perfect for sharing with your sweetheart (or keeping all to yourself no judgement here!).

Why You'll Fall Head Over Heels

These tartlets aren’t just pretty; they're packed with goodness. Beets are a fantastic source of antioxidants, and goat cheese adds a delightful tang and creamy texture.

They're the perfect starter for a romantic dinner or a fancy valentines day party food . What makes them so special? The blend of earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, and flaky pastry, all in an adorable heart shape.

They will be amazing as valentines day finger foods !

Now, let's talk about the star ingredients. We're gonna use fresh beetroot, creamy goat cheese, and perfectly buttery pastry. Oh my gosh, I can almost taste it already! We want it to be one of the best goat cheese appetizer recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment: Hearts on a Plate

Alright, you beautiful lot! Before we dive into making these stunning valentines appetizers , let's make sure we've got everything prepped and ready.

I always say, a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen. Especially when you're trying to make something look effortlessly elegant, like these beet and goat cheese tartlets.

These heart shaped appetizers is one of the most romantic appetizers I know

Main Ingredients

This recipe has two steps; Pastry, then fillings

For the Pastry

• 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt.
• 1/2 cup (113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold , cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water.

Quality Indicators: Use good quality butter! It makes a big difference. Think proper British butter, not that watery spread stuff.

For the Filling

• 2 medium beets, cooked and peeled (about 170g). Pre-cooked beets from the supermarket are fine, you know. Just check they are not vinegar-ed ones
• 4 ounces (113g) goat cheese, softened.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Quality Indicators: A good goat cheese will be creamy, tangy, and not too overpowering. If it smells like a barnyard, maybe choose a different brand.

No barnyard in these easy valentine appetizers !

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or water

Seasoning Notes for These Valentines Day Finger Foods

This is where the magic happens! We want a balance of earthy, tangy, and sweet.

• Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. I use them!
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Balsamic vinegar brings a touch of elegance. Honey adds a subtle sweetness.
• Quick substitution options: No balsamic? Red wine vinegar will do in a pinch. For a milder flavor of these pink appetizers , use Ricotta instead of Goat Cheese.

Equipment Needed for Valentines Appetizers

Keep it simple, yeah? Here are the essentials:

• Food processor. Makes the pastry super easy but it's not compulsory!
• Rolling pin.
• 6 individual tartlet molds (approx. 4 inch/10cm diameter) OR a large baking sheet.
• Heart shaped cookie cutter (approx. 3 inch/7.5cm). Got to make it valentines day party food !
• Parchment paper.
• Baking beans or pie weights.

Essential tools only: Don't panic if you don't have tartlet molds. A baking sheet works just as well! If you do not have baking beans, dried rice will work!.

Also, try to present it in a french appetizers valentines day way, like a french chef.

So, that’s it. Everything you need to create perfect beet appetizers . Once you've got your ingredients and equipment, get ready for the main show! I'll walk you through each step.

The result? Unforgettably delicious goat cheese appetizer recipes .

Valentine's Appetizers: Beet & Goat Cheese Heart Tartlets

Right then, luv! Let's talk valentines appetizers ! I've got a cracker, you're gonna love it. Forget boring crisps and dips.

We're making heart shaped appetizers that are seriously impressive. These little beet appetizers with goat cheese are perfect, alright? Think classy, delicious, and totally romantic.

So ditch the takeout and let's get fancy with some easy valentine appetizers !

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted!

Essential mise en place , right? Means getting everything ready. Slice the cooked beets, soften the goat cheese. Measure your flour and butter.

Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother. It's like having your ducks in a row before the baking frenzy begins.

Plus, a bit of organisation saves you from that frantic "where's the salt?!" moment. Speaking of which, remember to pop a tea towel under your chopping board, stops it from skidding everywhere! Oh, and keep the butter cold .

I mean really cold. This is vital.

step-by-step: Let's Bake Some Love!

Okay, here's the drill for these delightful valentines day finger foods :

1. Whizz the flour and salt in a food processor. Add ice-cold butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Drizzle in ice water until it forms a dough. Chill for 30 minutes .
3. Toss sliced beets with olive oil, balsamic, honey, and seasoning.
4. Mix goat cheese with cream until smooth. Season.
5. Roll pastry, cut out hearts. Press into moulds or crimp edges. Prick bottoms.
6. Blind bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15 minutes with weights, then 5 minutes without.
7. Spread goat cheese, arrange beets. Brush with egg wash.
8. Bake for 5- 10 minutes , until golden. Cool a bit before serving your romantic appetizers.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tartlets!

Honestly, the key is cold butter for flaky pastry. Don't overwork the dough. It makes it tough. Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste as you go.

You want that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. make-ahead? You can blind bake the tart shells a day before, then fill and bake just before serving.

This makes it a great valentine’s day party food option. Speaking of variations: I once tried adding a touch of lemon zest to the goat cheese - brilliant! It gives it a lovely zing.

Another option, try it with a pink appetizers style, which is a twist by incorporating a pink beet varieties.

Recipe Notes for Valentines Appetizers

Right, before you dive headfirst into making these heart shaped appetizers , let's have a wee chat about some important bits and bobs, yeah? I'm just sharing my honest thoughts.

This helps you nail these valentines appetizers and avoid any kitchen dramas. We all want something for those romantic appetizers to have a night to remember, don't we?

Plating Like a Pro (Or at Least Trying!)

Presentation is key, especially when we're talking valentines day party food . Think about it, your loved one will be impressed.

For these beet appetizers , I like to arrange them on a slate board. It will add some sprigs of fresh thyme or chives for a pop of colour.

And for a touch of elegance, a drizzle of balsamic glaze never hurts. A small side salad? Also, a good idea.

Storage Savvy

So, you've made a batch of these delightful valentines day finger foods , but you've got leftovers? No worries. These easy valentine appetizers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Just pop them in an airtight container. Honestly, I don't recommend freezing them. The pastry might get a bit soggy when thawed.

Reheating? A quick blast in a warm oven ( 175° F/ 80° C ) will do the trick.

Mix It Up, Mate!

Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations on these goat cheese appetizer recipes . I tried a version with butternut squash instead of beets once divine! If you're catering to a gluten-free friend, use a gluten-free pastry recipe.

No goat cheese? Ricotta works, although it won't have that tang . I also have some more pink appetizers you can try, I am thinking about raspberries and brie bites.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's keep this simple. Each little tartlet clocks in at roughly 350 calories. You get about 8 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Beets are packed with nutrients, and goat cheese adds a good dose of calcium. It is important to always check for allergies!

So there you have it! Now get in the kitchen and cook something great with this french appetizers valentines day recipe.

Making these valentines appetizers can be a fun journey. You have everything you need to create something truly special!