Homemade Ham and Blue Cheese Tart

INGREDIENTS:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

1 cup cooked ham, diced

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled

3 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preparing the Crust:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled diced butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently mixing the dough with a fork. Stop adding water once the dough begins to hold together.

Form a Dough Ball: Gather the dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit into a tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan and trim off any excess around the edges.

Pre-Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling Mixture: Scatter the diced ham and crumbled blue cheese over the cooled crust.

Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the ham and cheese in the tart shell.

Bake the Tart: Place the tart on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.