Tomato Basil Tartlets

1. 1

   Special equipment: a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter

2. 2

   Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

3. 3

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Place the pastry on a lightly floured work surface, with a light dusting on the top of the pastry as well.

5. 5

   Using a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 16 rounds of pastry. Using the tines of a fork, prick the pastry rounds all over.

6. 6

   Place the pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Lay a piece of parchment paper on top of the pastry rounds. Place another baking sheet directly on top of the parchment paper to keep the pastry even while baking.

7. 7

   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

8. 8

   Remove the top baking sheet and the top piece of parchment paper. Let cool slightly.

9. 9

   Spread 1 teaspoon of tapenade on each pastry round.

10. 10

    Place about 1 tablespoon of cheese on top.

11. 11

    Arrange 2 pieces of tomato on the cheese.

12. 12

    Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped basil on top.

13. 13

    Transfer the tartlets to a platter and garnish with a pinch of salt.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.