Serves: 6
Total Calories: 243

FLAKY PASTRY CRUST
2 tablespoons unslated butter, divided
2 small Granny Smith or Newton Pippin apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/8-inch lengthwise slices, divided
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 cup half and half, or heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup crumpled blue cheese
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Cheddar cheese, divided

1. Follow the directions for preparing and baking the crust, substituting a 9-inch round or fluted tart pan with removable bottom for the 9-inch pie pan. Keep the oven set at 375°F.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté half the apple slices until they are tender and beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the tart shell and arrange in a single layer.
3. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sauté the onions until very soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and thyme and continue to sauté until the onions are lightly caramelized and any liquid has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the onions cool slightly.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and a couple of grinds of pepper until blended. Stir in the blue cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and the onions.
5. Place the prepared tart pan on a baking sheet. Pour the mixture into the tart shell. It will be very full. Arrange the remaining apple slices in a decorative circular pattern around the top, and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese.
6. Bake until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.


From Holiday Baking. Text copyright © 2005 by Sara Perry. Photographs copyright © 2005 by Leigh Beisch. All rights reserved. First published by Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco, California.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 6
Total Calories: 243
Calories from Fat: 161

More Recipes from the Holiday Baking Cookbook:
"Shall I Be Mother?" Teatime Pound Cake
Boxing Day Scones
Buckingham Palace Shortbread
Chip-Shot Pizza with Black Forest Ham, Smoked Gouda, and Apricot Mustard
Jamberry Maple Syrup
La Galette des Rois
Stilton Pinwhels with Walnuts and Honey
Sweet Onion, Apple, and Cheese Tart
The Amazing Leftover Eggnog and Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding