Chicken Tart in Puff Pastry

I Have a Crush on Curtis Stone!

I did not use that title simply to drive more traffic to my article. Really, I didn't.

Those of you who know me know that I love my husband more than words can express. This year we will celebrate our 42nd anniversary. And, just like aged cheese, yes it does get better with age. (OK, my kids are probably rolling their eyes about now).

But ... do you remember when "Take Home ChefHome Chef" was on TLC (The Learning Channel)? No matter what I was doing, when 4 o'clock rolled around I would stop, turn on the TV, and for 30 minutes smile and sigh and swoon a little over Curtis. For those of you who have not heard of Curtis Stone (really? You must be from another planet), he is a professionally-trained chef from Melbourne, Australia who has cooked in the finest restaurants in Europe. He worked at the Mirabelle, London as Sous Chef, helping create the Mirabelle Cookbook.

Eventually, he became Head Chef at Quo Vadis in Soho, London. Curtis was included in a book about London's finest chefs titled "London on a Plate." The book led to Curtis getting an agent and a number of opportunities within the media. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Yes, I idolize him for his brain. (And did I mention that he was included in the 2006 People Magazine list of 100 Sexist Men?)

{{sigh}}

In December a few years ago, my younger daughter asked me what I wanted for Christmas. "Curtis" was my reply. Well, she couldn't actually give me Curtis--the shipping costs would have been exorbitant (after all, he's 6'4"!). But she gave me one of his cookbooks, and a wonderful one it is.

"Cooking with Curtis—Easy, Everyday, and Adventurous Recipes for the Home Cook" presents traditional seasonal favorites. And for each "featured" main ingredient there are three separate recipes—one for the novice, one for the semi-experienced cook, and one for the pro.

Today I leafed through the book searching for something special I could prepare for my husband (still my No. 1 guy!) and my older daughter. And my eyes landed on "Pigeon and Foie GrasTart." 

Why? I have no idea. I'll never eat pigeon (but I can substitute chicken breast). And, do you know what foie gras is? I do and I'll NEVER go there. So what could I use instead? What about the mushroom pate that is commonly used in beef Wellington, duxelles!!??

So, with a plea for forgiveness from Curtis, I present my own version of his recipe, "Chicken Tart with Mushroom Duxelles."

Chicken Tart in Puff Pastry

Ingredients

• mushroom pate (duxelles), (see below)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 small or 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 2 cups baby spinach, blanched and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pureed in a food processor
• 1 egg, mixed with a fork
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushroom pate (duxelles) and set aside.
2. Next, assemble the tarts.
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and sauté about 4 minutes per side or until no longer pink in the center and nicely browned. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
4. Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 squares (a total of 8 squares). Place 4 pastry squares on a waxed paper-lined tray. Place a little spinach in the center of each disc to form the base of the tart. Next, add a spoonful of the pureed sun-dried tomato. Finally, place a cooked/cooled chicken breast on top. If using small breasts they should fit nicely. If small breasts are not available cut the medium-sized breasts to fit onto the puff pastry rounds.
5. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mushroom pate on top of each (using 8 tablespoons total). Lay another pastry square on the top and press down the sides of the pie to make a tart that looks slightly like a ravioli.
6. Place the tarts in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Beat together egg and milk. Remove the tarts from the refrigerator and brush them with the egg and milk wash. Prick the tops 3-4 times with a small knife. Place the tarts on a baking tray and bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Mushroom Pate (Duxelles)

Ingredients

• ·1/2 pound mushrooms (morels are great, but button mushrooms work)
• ·2 tablespoons unsalted butter; divided
• ·3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• ·Salt and pepper to taste
• ·1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• ·1/4 cup dry vermouth, sherry, or white wine

Instructions

1. Finely chop the mushrooms in a food processor. Scrape mushrooms out into a clean, cotton towel. (Note: Do not use terry cloth, and choose an old towel as the raw minced mushrooms will stain it.) Twist the towel around the mushrooms and wring out as much liquid as you can over the sink.
2. Heat a large (10-inch) non-stick skillet over a burner set between medium and medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt and avoid burning. Add mushrooms, shallots, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently until mushrooms appear dry and are beginning to brown; about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, and, when melted, the sherry or wine. Cook, stirring frequently until the vermouth has evaporated. Remove from heat and cool.