ROAST STRAWBERRIES WITH GOAT CHEESE ON PASTRY

ROAST STRAWBERRIES WITH GOAT CHEESE ON PASTRY

Roasting the strawberries is really the most labor intensive part of this recipe, and it could hardly be categorized as such. It does take about 40 minutes, but that's not active time -- it's just do something else while the strawberries roast time. Other than that, you're just slicing puff pastry, mixing up a little goat cheese, baking the squares and topping them with a roasted berry. Easy, pretty, and delicious.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
16 ounces strawberries, washed and hulled
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Dash black pepper
2 tablespoons honey
4 ounces goat cheese, room temperature (Can use Marscapone or your favorite cheese)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
12 leaves fresh mint, garnish

Allow puff pastry to come to room temperature. For most store-bought brands, this takes 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat oven 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.

Hull the strawberries and cut them in half lengthwise. If they're very large berries, you can quarter them instead. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of the honey and whisk to combine. Add the strawberries and toss until the berries are fully coated.

Turn berries out onto baking sheet and roast until the fruit has softened and the juices are just beginning to thicken, about 40 minutes.

While the berries are roasting, in a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, lemon zest and remaining tablespoon honey. Set aside.

On a lightly floured surface, cut the puff pastry into roughly 3-inch squares. Place each on the parchment-lined sheet about 1 inches apart. Score a quick square shape into the center of each pastry, taking care not to cut all the way through.

Dollop a small spoon of the goat cheese mixture onto each square. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Let squares cool slightly, at least 10 minutes.

Then place a small mint leaf on the center of each and top with a syrupy roasted strawberry. Serve warm or room temperature. Best served the day they're made.