Some years, the holidays seem to appear with a flourish and leave in a flash, with few quiet moments peppered throughout. So, this year, we are taking the initiative to do something radical on New Year's Eve... we're going to have a quiet night in. 

Okay, so maybe not that radical... but for everyone resisting the siren song of a ruckus night out, beckoning forth the new year into the wee hours of the morn, we'll help you set the scene with this recipe for simple, delicious, and decadent Pear, Thyme, and Goat Cheese Tarts.  

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry (pre-rolled or not rolled)

Small jar of fig jam

1-2 pears

⅓ cup or more of crumbled goat cheese

1 egg for egg wash

Approximately ⅓ cup roasted, chopped walnuts

A couple sprigs of fresh thyme

Honey

Icing sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.

If using puff pastry that is not pre-rolled , roll out pastry into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Trim the perimeter of the pastry for clean edges.

Cut the pastry sheet into 6 smaller and even rectangles (approximately 3’’ by 4’’) and place on parchment lined baking sheet.

Spread a generous dollop (approx. 1 Tbsp) of fig jam on each rectangle.

Thinly slice pears lengthwise and place 3 to 4 slices vertically on each pastry.

Sprinkle approximately 1 Tbsp of crumbled goat cheese over each pastry.

Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush egg wash on edge of each pastry.

Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with the roasted walnuts and drizzle each pastry with a bit of honey.

Finish off with a light dusting of icing sugar.

And there you have it! We love how the flavours dance together in a decadent display, all the while being a rather straightforward recipe to tackle. The perfect combination for a cosy New Year's Eve!  

Please note, this recipe is also perfect for a show stopper to please a crowd, if staying in isn't on the docket for you this year. You do you!