Candied Shallots and Soft Goat Cheese Tartlets

A Busy Mom's Culinary Escape: Candied Shallots and Soft Goat Cheese Tartlets

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, finding time for myself, let alone elaborate cooking, often feels impossible. But then, there are those moments – a quiet evening, a rare stolen hour – when the desire to create something delicious, something that brings a little joy to my hectic life, takes over. This recipe for Candied Shallots and Soft Goat Cheese Tartlets is one of those moments captured in a dish. It's elegant enough to impress, yet simple enough to execute even on a weeknight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. The candied shallots, with their sweet and savory notes, are a delightful counterpoint to the creamy tang of the goat cheese. The spelt crust adds a satisfying earthiness, anchoring the tartlets with a rustic charm. The whole process is surprisingly straightforward. The shallots roast beautifully while the spelt cooks, meaning I can multitask and still enjoy some downtime. I find myself often making a double batch, one for a weeknight treat and another for a quick, impressive appetizer to take to gatherings with friends. The tartlets are equally delicious served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for meal prepping ahead of a busy week. I often make them on Sunday, storing them in the fridge to enjoy as a light lunch or a simple side dish with a salad throughout the week. This saves me time and energy mid-week, which is a huge bonus in my life!

The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, making this recipe incredibly accessible. The process is also easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, nuts, or even cheeses to customize the recipe to your taste. Adding some sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions could elevate the flavors even further. I’ve found that using a good quality goat cheese significantly impacts the overall taste, so don’t hesitate to invest in a slightly more expensive brand if you can. The richness of the cheese pairs exquisitely with the slightly sweet shallots. It's amazing how such simple ingredients can create such a sophisticated-tasting dish. It’s a little touch of culinary luxury in the midst of an otherwise busy life. It proves that even amid chaos, there's always time to savor a delicious, homemade treat.

These Candied Shallots and Soft Goat Cheese Tartlets aren't just about taste; they're about the feeling of accomplishment, the sense of calm that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious amidst the daily grind. They are a reminder that even small acts of self-care, like preparing a beautiful meal, can make all the difference. It's a reminder to embrace the small joys and to find moments of peace in the midst of the chaos. This recipe has become more than just a meal for me; it's a little bit of self-care, a reminder that taking time for myself, even if it’s just in the kitchen, is worth it. And the taste? Oh, the taste is simply divine.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, try this recipe. Let the aroma of roasting shallots and baking spelt fill your kitchen, and let the simple act of creating something delicious be your personal escape. You deserve it.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Feel free to share your culinary creations with me! Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven at 200C. Rinse the spelt and cook it for about 40 minutes in 3 times its quantity of boiling and slightly salted water.
• During that time, peel the shallots, then put them on a baking tray covered with aluminum foil. Cover with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle some fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the whole with your fingers to cover all the shallots. Close the aluminum foil and put in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until you get some candied and very tender shallots. Reserve them when they are ready.
• Once the spelt is baked, dry it well and add it to a blender bowl with the soft butter. Mix the whole to break the grains, stop before it's turning into a purée. Butter the tartlets molds and shape 4 tartlets spelt crusts with your fingers. Put the tartlets crusts in the oven for 20 minutes at 200C.
• In a bowl, mix the soft goat cheese, the egg, and the liquid cream together using a fork. Season well. Pour the soft goat cheese dough on the baked spelt crusts, put some candied shallots with a few roasted walnuts and a pinch of thyme on each. Put again in the oven for about 20 minutes. The soft goat cheese dough should golden a bit.
• Let cool down and remove the tartlets from the pans. Eat tepid or cold with a salad.