Hi there, I’m Camille Dubois, a food writer and culinary historian from Paris, France. My love for French cuisine runs deep, and I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Arbor Day Tree-Shaped Spinach and Feta Tart recipe with you today.
Camille is a food writer and culinary historian based in Paris, France. She has a deep love for French cuisine and enjoys exploring its rich history and regional variations. Camille has a particular fondness for puff pastry, which she uses frequently in her recipes. When she’s not writing, Camille can often be found browsing the local farmers’ markets for fresh ingredients.
Camille currently resides in the United States and grew up in France.
Puff pastry is a staple in French cuisine, and this recipe is a playful take on the classic savory tart. Did you know that the first recorded recipe for puff pastry can be traced back to the 17th century, and it was originally called ‘pâte feuilletée’? The process of creating those delicate, flaky layers is time-consuming and requires skill, but the end result is always worth it.
As we celebrate Arbor Day here in the US, it’s important to remember the importance of trees in our lives and our environment. Trees provide us with oxygen, shade, and beauty, and they’re crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. So why not celebrate with a delicious, tree-shaped tart that incorporates fresh spinach and herbs? It’s a fun and festive way to honor the trees that give us so much.
What you need
This Arbor Day, celebrate the beauty of nature with a stunning and delicious tree-shaped spinach and feta tart! This recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, from the vibrant green spinach to the tangy and crumbly feta cheese. The star of the show, though, is the puff pastry – flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. To make the tart, you’ll roll out the puff pastry, mix up the filling (which is as simple as combining spinach, feta, herbs, salt, and pepper), and then shape the tart into a festive tree shape. With a few diagonal cuts and a bit of folding, you’ll have a beautiful pastry that’s almost too pretty to eat. But trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. The combination of savory spinach, salty feta, and buttery puff pastry is pure heaven. So whether you’re celebrating Arbor Day or just looking for a delicious and impressive appetizer, give this spinach and feta tart a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry – A light, flaky pastry that is perfect for savory or sweet dishes. You can make your own puff pastry, or use store-bought for convenience.
- Fresh spinach leaves – A leafy green vegetable that adds a pop of color and nutrients to this savory tart. You can substitute with other greens, such as kale or chard.
- Feta cheese – A tangy and salty cheese that pairs well with the spinach in this recipe. You can substitute with another crumbly cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Fresh herbs – A blend of fresh parsley, thyme, and chives add a bright and herbaceous flavor to this tart. You can use other herbs, such as dill or basil, depending on your preference.
- Egg – Used as an egg wash to give the puff pastry a golden and shiny appearance. You can omit if you prefer a less shiny crust.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the saltiness of the feta cheese.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
Utensils:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper – Can be replaced with non-stick cooking spray.
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Pastry brush – Can be replaced with a clean paintbrush or your fingers.
Puff pastry, the versatile pastry that never fails to impress
As a lover of French cuisine, I’ve worked with puff pastry more times than I can count. But every time I use it, I’m amazed at its versatility and ability to transform a dish. Did you know that puff pastry is made by layering butter and dough, then repeatedly folding and rolling it until it becomes a thin, flaky pastry? It’s a labor-intensive process, but the end result is always worth it. In this recipe, puff pastry provides a golden and flaky base for the savory tart, and adds a touch of elegance to the dish. Whether you’re making a savory tart or a sweet dessert, puff pastry is a pastry that never fails to impress.
Fresh herbs, the aromatic addition that elevates any dish
As someone who loves to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, I always have a stash of fresh herbs on hand. Not only do they add a pop of color to a dish, but they also add a burst of flavor and aroma that can take a dish from good to great. In this recipe, I use a blend of fresh parsley, thyme, and chives to add a bright and herbaceous flavor to the savory tart. Did you know that herbs have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years? In fact, many ancient cultures believed that certain herbs had healing properties. While we may not use herbs for medicinal purposes anymore, they still play an important role in our cuisine and add depth and complexity to our dishes.
What to serve it with?
When it comes to serving this tree-shaped spinach and feta tart, I always like to keep things simple and elegant. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is with a simple side salad made with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The salad’s freshness and brightness provide a perfect contrast to the rich and savory tart. Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of greenery to the plate and make the meal feel more balanced. As someone who loves to use fresh, seasonal ingredients in my cooking, a simple salad is the perfect way to highlight the flavors of the season and add a bit of color and texture to the plate. So next time you make this spinach and feta tart, try serving it with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Summary
Well, that’s it for today’s recipe blog, friends! I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this beautiful and delicious tree-shaped spinach and feta tart. But now, I want to hear from you! Are you a fan of puff pastry like me, or do you prefer a different type of pastry for your tarts? And when it comes to the filling, what are some of your favorite flavor combinations? Do you have any tips or tricks for shaping the tart into a festive tree shape? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear from you! And as always, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Arbor Day Tree-Shaped Spinach and Feta Tart
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Knife
- cutting board
- Bowl
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff pastry
- 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs
- 1 Egg
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw and roll out the puff pastry - Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a large rectangle (about 10x14 inches or 25x35 cm). Transfer the puff pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Be careful not to stretch the puff pastry too much as you roll it out, as this can cause it to become thin in some areas and thicker in others, which can affect the texture of the final product.
- Prepare the filling - In a bowl, mix together the fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the filling on the puff pastry - Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the tart into a tree - Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on either side of the filling, starting at the top and working down to the bottom, to create a tree shape. Take care not to cut all the way through the pastry, as you want to keep the filling contained. Fold the cut edges of the pastry over the filling in a criss-cross pattern to create the appearance of tree branches. To create a more realistic tree shape, you can use a cookie cutter or a stencil to cut out a star or other shape at the top of the tree.
- Brush with egg wash - In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the exposed pastry using a pastry brush.
- Bake the tart - Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
