Pimento Cheese Bacon Tarts Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Place jar of pepper jelly in a double boiler to melt. Line the phyllo cups on 2 cookie sheets. Next take the softened cream cheese and incorporate into the pimento cheese. (The cream cheese stands up to heat better than mayonnaise and the pimento cheese won't soak through the tart as easily).
• 2. To assemble the tarts, fill each tart with pimento cheese mixture, drizzle the melted pepper jelly over the pimento cheese then place some real bacon bits on top.
• 3. Cook in preheated 350* oven for 6-7 minutes. These should be served warm. This will make 60 tarts. You can make more or less depending on the size of crowd you are serving,
• 4. Note, this is the easy version.. I usually make my own pimento cheese with cream cheese and cheddar cheese as the star, Using cream cheese cuts down the amount of mayonnaise you need to use to hold your mixture together and it won't soak through the tarts as easily!
• 5. I found some delicious real bacon pieces In a Bag at Sams* Super Store. I had to make 180 of these tarts for a retirement Party. These bacon bits are delicious!

Steps:

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the grits and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the half-and-half and cook until the grits are tender and creamy, about 20 more minutes.
• Add the pimientos, cream cheese, Cheddar and mustard and stir until melted together and combined. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add to the grits. Stir in the pepper and serve.
• If making ahead, allow the dish to cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat, covered in foil, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Steps:

• Make the dough: In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter. Process until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal, 8 to 10 seconds. Add the egg yolks and pulse until just combined. Pulse in 5 to 6 tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the mixture holds together as a soft dough, not crumbly or sticky. Use your hands to shape into a 1-inch-thick disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes (or longer, if desired).
• Lightly flour a clean work surface and rolling pin. Unwrap and roll out the dough, starting in the center and rolling up to, but not over, the top edge of the dough. Return to the center, and roll down to, but not over, the bottom edge. Give the dough a quarter turn, and continue rolling, repeating the turns until you have a circle about 1/8-inch thick.
• Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, being careful not to stretch or pull the dough. Cut away any excess dough, leaving enough to make a thick edge around the rim. Tuck the edges under, press together and, if desired, crimp the edge. Chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
• Bake the crust: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prick the bottom of the dough lightly all over with a fork. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice, enough to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove the paper and weights. Set crust aside to cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Using a serrated knife, core the tomatoes and slice them 1/4 inch thick. Place a layer of tomato slices on the baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Top with more paper towels and repeat with remaining tomatoes. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
• If using bacon, place in a medium skillet over medium heat, and cook until just crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat from the pan (discard the fat or reserve it for another use). Or, skip the bacon and start the next step with 1 tablespoon olive oil in the pan.
• Heat the bacon fat or olive oil over medium heat, then add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until lightly caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. (Don't rush this process: the onions should not be white or crunchy.)
• Assemble the pie: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pat half the tomatoes dry with paper towels and arrange closely in the pie crust. Add half the onions, bacon and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining tomatoes, onions, bacon and herbs.
• In a bowl, combine the cheese, mayonnaise and pimento very well. Gently spread the mixture on top of the pie. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool at least 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, slicing with a serrated knife.