Using store-bought puff pastry allows you to make these tarts on a busy weeknight. Round out the vegetarian meal with a salad of mixed greens or any of the winter vegetable sides on page 279.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　All-purpose flour, for dusting

　　1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half a 17.3-ounce package), thawed

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1 1/4 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake (stems removed), and button, thinly sliced

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (2 ounces)

　　2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out puff pastry to an 11-inch square. Using a paring knife, cut into 4 equal squares, then lightly score each square (do not cut all the way through), forming a 1-inch border. Using a fork, pierce dough inside border. Carefully transfer pastry squares to a baking sheet; refrigerate 10 minutes. Bake until golden, rotating sheet halfway through, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Dividing evenly, sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese in center of baked pastry squares; top with mushrooms and remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with chives, and serve.

　　

Pastry Shortcut

Step 4

Frozen puff pastry is a wonderful staple to keep on hand. The pastry needs only a little time to defrost, rolls out easily, and bakes quickly.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.