Asparagus Tart

by Chef Judy Gilliard
Servings: 8

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pound asparagus
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, part skim milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 ounce salami slices
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out pastry on floured surface to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut off 1/2-inch-wide strip from all 4 sides; set aside. Brush strips on one side with some of beaten egg, then press strips, egg side down, onto edges of pastry to adhere, forming raised border. Brush border with egg; reserve remaining beaten egg. Transfer to baking sheet. Chill while preparing filling.

Place asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain. Cut off top 2 to 3 inches of asparagus tips; set aside. Coarsely puree remaining asparagus stalks in processor. Add remaining beaten egg and ricotta.Process until thick puree forms. Transfer to bowl; stir in salami and half of the mozzarella. Spread mixture evenly over pastry. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Arrange asparagus tips over filling.

Bake tart until filling is set, about 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Per Serving : 282 Calories; 20g Fat (63.5% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 17g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 47mg Cholesterol; 259mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 3 1/2 Fat.