Pear Gouda tarts with caramelized onion appetizer recipe

Amanda Leveroni and Paige Nies
Bacio catering, carryout and eatery, Chico

This easy-to-make appetizer is a "perfect little bite with a glass of something nice," Amanda Leveroni said.

Ingredients

Pie crust (homemade or refrigerated sheets), enough for a single-crust, 9-inch pie
1 Bartlett pear, thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 yellow onion, 1/4-inch dice
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 lb. aged goat's milk Gouda, grated

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll pie crust thinly on a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 (2-inch) circles.

Sauté pear and onion in butter until translucent and pear is cooked, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly. Stir in cheese. Gently press rounds of pie crust into mini-muffin tins, leaving edges crinkled and rustic. Dollop filling into each crust and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is browned on top. Serve immediately or gently re-warm for service.

Makes 1 dozen