Lavender and Fig Tart with Goat Cheese Cream

This tart gets a floral note from lavender and some tang from fresh goat cheese. The rimmed crust is made by scoring the edges of a puff pastry sheet, then pressing on the center once it has baked.

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This tart gets a floral note from lavender and some tang from fresh goat cheese. The rimmed crust is made by scoring the edges of a puff pastry sheet, then pressing on the center once it has baked.

Servings
8

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbs. agave nectar
  • 2 tsp. aged balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
  • 3/4 tsp. dried or fresh culinary lavender, divided, plus lavender buds for garnish, optional
  • 1 8-oz. sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tsp. heavy whipping cream, chilled, divided
  • 1/2 cup soft goat cheese
  • 2 tbs. confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 pt. fresh figs (about 12 oz.) or 13 large figs, stemmed and quartered (21/2 cups)

Preparation

1 | Combine agave nectar, balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 tsp. lavender in small bowl; set aside.

2 | Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Chill bowl of electric mixer in freezer.

3 | Roll puff pastry into 13- x 9-inch rectangle on floured work surface. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Mark 3/4-inch border around edges with paring knife, being careful not to cut through. Brush border with 2 tsp. heavy whipping cream, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp. lavender. Bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and flaky. Cool 3 to 5 minutes, then re-score original border lines. Flatten center of pastry by gently pressing with wide spatula; outer edge of pastry should remain intact and puffy. Cool on wire rack.

4 | Meanwhile, fit electric mixer with whisk attachment and place goat cheese in chilled mixer bowl. Add confectioners’ sugar and 2 Tbs. heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, until mixture is well combined, and goat cheese is softened. Pour in remaining 10 Tbs. cream; increase to medium-high speed, and beat 2 minutes, or until medium peaks form.

5 | Spread goat cheese mixture to cover center of pastry, and top with fresh figs. Drizzle balsamic-agave mixture over figs just before serving. Garnish with lavender buds, if using.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 290
  • Carbohydrate Content 27 g
  • Cholesterol Content 37 mg
  • Fat Content 19 g
  • Fiber Content 2 g
  • Protein Content 5 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 9 g
  • Sodium Content 197 mg
  • Sugar Content 16 g