A tiny seed was planted not too long ago. It sprouted and reached out to touch the universe. Roots spread far and deep to hold up the fast growth. It was nurtured with love and drew attention from all parts of the world. It has brought together countless people who share a common goal of bringing Sunday Supper back to the family table. Two years ago that tiny seed sprouted with a virtual progressive dinner. Now there is an anniversary feast celebrating the Sunday Supper Movement. I'm bringing Blue Cheese Walnut Tarts to the party.
What was that tiny seed? It was a tweet by my friend Isabel asking what was for Sunday Supper. The response was incredible. It's evident as to how special a Sunday family meal is to people everywhere including me. It's why I became a part of it from the very beginning. I replied to that tweet and watched the joyful responses to Isabel week after week. That first virtual dinner was a lot of fun and so have been all the ones since. My contribution to the first progressive dinner was a pear and stilton salad.
Sunday Supper has made for many wonderful moments in my life. One of my favorites is when I got to meet Isabel in person. I drove to Florida to help her with scouting a location for the Food and Wine Conference. At one of the potential locations, we sat on a big screened in porch and had a meal of bread, cheese, and wine. It's why I chose to make the Blue Cheese Walnut Tarts for the celebration. They have both bread and cheese and go fabulously with wine. (I'm counting the tart shell as bread).
Some notes on the tarts: They are filled with blue cheese crumbles, a simple egg and milk mixture, and topped with finely chopped walnuts. The crust is homemade with butter, cream cheese, and flour. Yes, there is double cheese lusciousness packed into these little bites. The crust dough seems very crumbly. I almost thought it would not work and nearly tossed it. I'm glad I stuck with it though. Remember to press or squeeze and roll it with your hand at the same time when making the dough balls. They will come together eventually.
Who else is bringing something to the party? Lots of folks! Our host is Liz of That Skinny Chick Can Bake and the list of Sunday Supper contributors and the recipes they are sharing is below. They are sharing more than recipes too. Each one has a favorite Sunday Supper moment and I can't wait to see them. Join me in the fun of visiting and reading their posts.
Blue Cheese Walnut Tarts
Ingredients
For the tart shells:
- 3 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour unbleached recommended
For the tarts:
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles about 1 cup
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- Pinch of salt
- 2 to 3 drops of hot sauce
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
For the tart shells:
- Beat together cream cheese and butter in a small bowl until combined.
- Add flour and stir in or cut in using a fork or pastry blender.
- Press the dough into a disk and cover with plastic wrap. Chill dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Shape dough into 24 1-inch balls. You will need to squeeze the dough in your hand while shaping into the balls. The dough will seem crumbly but will come together.
- Place each ball into the wells of an ungreased mini muffin tin (1 ¾-inch muffin size).
- Use your fingers to press dough onto bottom and sides of the wells to form shells.
For the tarts:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Combine blue cheese and flour in a small bowl. Spoon evenly into tart shells.
- Whisk together egg, evapored milk, salt, and hot sauce. Spoon evenly over blue cheese crumbles.
- Sprinkle walnuts on top of each tart.
- Bake for 7 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Bake for an additional 17 minutes or until set.
- Cool tarts in the pan for 5 minutes then remove and serve immediately warm or continue to cool on a wire rack to serve at room temperature.
- Tarts can be made ahead and frozen. When ready to serve, put frozen tarts on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Notes
Recipe adapted from one in the Southern Living 1986 Annual Recipes cookbook (no longer in print).
It's a Sunday Supper Turns Two virtual party! Check out these incredible recipes that will make any celebration a most delectable one:
Brilliant Breads and Breakfast Fare:
- Brioche aux Pépites de Chocolat from Food Lust People Love
- Broccoli, Potato & Cheese Egg Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Celebration Strawberry Crepes from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Homemade Brioche from Masala Herb
- Onion Cheddar Cheese Focaccia from Flour On My Face
- Poached Pear Bread from Hip Foodie Mom
Amazing Appetizers and Cocktails:
- Blood Orange Gin Fizz from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Blue Cheese Walnut Tarts from Magnolia Days
- Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Stuffed Butternut Squash from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Cheesy Twists from What Smells So Good?
- Key Lime Pie Martini from girlichef
- Pizza Dip from The Food Army Wife
- Slow Cooker Party Mix from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
Spectacular Soups and Salads:
- Creamy, Tangy Bacon Salad Dressing from Daily Dish Recipes
- Day at the Beach Healthy Tuna Salad from Shockingly Delicious
- Low Carb Spicy Chunky Vegetable Beef Chili from Yours and Mine Are Ours
- Luscious Fruit Salad from Pescetarian Journal
- Quinoa and Buffalo Chicken Salad from In the Kitchen with KP
Enticing Entrees:
- Carne de Porco Alentejana | Portuguese Pork and Clams from Family Foodie
- Chicken Shami Kebab from Soni's Food
- Chicken and Rice Dinner in the Crock from Momma's Meals
- Curried Chicken from The Foodie Patootie
- Healthy Chicken Tetrazzini from Citronlimette
- Imagination Stew from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Orecchiette with Chicken, Brocccoli, Mushrooms and Onions from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Runny Egg Risotto from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Cream Sauce plus Arugula, Radicchio and Escarole Salad from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Seafood Stew from Healthy. Delicious.
- Spice-Crusted Fish Tacos with Confetti Salsa from The Weekend Gourmet
- Spicy Roasted Squash and Wild Rice Bake from Curious Cuisiniere
- Spicy Shrimp Tempura Rolls from kimchi MOM
- Spinach Proscuitto Macaroni and Cheese with Walnut Topping from Noshing with the Nolands
- Tuscan Chicken Spinach Soup with Roasted Red Pepper from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
Decadent Desserts:
- Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream from The Ninja Baker
- Banana Pudding Parfaits from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Birthday Cake Macaron from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Caramel Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars from Pies and Pots
- Chocolate Mousse Torte from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Sugar Churros and Chocolate Sauce from Neighborfood
- Crumb Cake Brownies from Table for Seven
- Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Pops from Ruffles & Truffles
- Gluten-Free Epiphany Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Gluten-Free Vegan Coconut Cookies from Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Happy Birthday Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Kahlua Toffee Ice Cream Cake from Webicurean
- Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake with Raspberry Sauce from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes from Basic N Delicious
- S'mores Snack Cake from Alida's Kitchen
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here: Sunday Supper Movement
One of my favorite moments of #SS 2013 was getting to meet the gracious lady from Magnolia Days at the F & W Conference =)
And your yummy looking tarts, Renee, may be one of my favorite tastes of 2014!
Oh Kim, you always have such kind words. Meeting you in person was a true highlight of the conference. I really do hope to see you there again this year.
I'm dying over these tartlets Renee! Honestly, I would stand next to them and eat the whole tray. The flavors are amazing, and isn't the idea of meeting fellow bloggers one of the best things to come out of this? Have a great sunday!
Yes, meeting fellow bloggers in person is one of the best things to come from Sunday Supper. I sincerely hope one day I'll get to meet you in person. We have to find a way to get you here.
"double cheese lusciousness." and I'm sold.
these look awesome, enjoy your Sunday supper!
Nothing beats double cheese, or perhaps more cheese.
Renee, these tarts are just exquisite! I personally want to thank you for being such an integral part of the SS group...you're a gem!!!
You are very welcome Liz and I'm so grateful you are a part of the group. I hope to see you at the conference this year.
Your tarts look amazing. Happy 2nd Anniversary!
Thank you Marjory and I'm glad that you are a part of our 2nd Anniversary and hope you will continue with us in our journey.
These tarts look AMAZING! Love everything about them.
I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing, talented group and I am so happy that in 2013, I got to meet you and hang out with you for a weekend. I am truly excited about what 2014 has in store for all of us.
That Isabel... she sure knew what she was doing, even when she wasn't sure she did. 🙂
I also feel blessed to be a part of the incredibly talented group. I was so excited to meet you in person at the conference and I'll always remember our times there and laughing together throughout the whole event. Here's to even more laughs and success for 2014!
Blue cheese, walnuts and hot sauce. What's not to love? What a great recipe, Renee. Pinning!
Thanks Renee and the pin is very much appreciated!
What a wonderful combination here! My husband is crazy about blue cheese and walnuts, so these sound perfect...
Thanks Katie and I hope to see you again at the conference this year. It was great to meet you there last year.
Renee,
I absolutely love these blue cheese walnut tarts!!! I love blue cheese! and you are a huge part of Sunday Supper. . everything you do. . this group would not be Sunday Supper without you! I'm hoping to meet you all in FL! fingers crossed!
Crossing my fingers too Alice because I really want you to come so I can meet you in person. You are such a pleasure to have in the group.
These are just so adorable! I have to admit that I am not a blue cheese fan, but I could easily substitute another cheese and enjoy. 🙂
Oh yes, if you don't like blue cheese then try another one. I'm sure it would be just as great.
Thank you for helping me water and feed that seed for the last two years... you know I am not much of a gardener... it wouldn't have survived without you.
I chuckle every time I think about meeting you in person for the first time. So many funny moments!
It has been a pleasure to water and feed that seed! It's been an even great pleasure to have you as a friend and work together on Sunday Supper. And the chuckles don't stop on my end either. Just thinking about that farm visit has me laughing every time.
What a beautiful memory and inspiration for these amazing little tarts, Renee...just perfect! I am so happy to have met you and to be working alongside you. Can't wait for the conference this year! Now, pass me a few tarts, please... 😉
Virtually passing a few tarts your way now. And what a great time we will have again at this year's conference. I can't wait!
You and Isabel are a fierce team! I'm so glad I met you last summer! I hope to see you IRL again this summer!
BTW...love these tarts!
Thanks so much Amy and I also hope you can make it to the conference this year.
These are GORGEOUS, Renee, not just the tarts themselves but the flavors! I am pinning these on my Recipes to Try board because we are huge fans of blue cheese and I know my husband would adore these.
Thank you very much Stacy and big thanks for the pin!
These are adorable, and look absolutely addictive! Happy Birthday! 😀
Yes, I think they can certainly be addictive. It was hard to stop munching on them. I finally froze some so I could enjoy them later.
Thank you for all you do for this wonderful group, Renee. And these tarts are just gorgeous. So elegant!
Thanks Katy and the tarts do have a certain elegance to them.
My husband was reading my post this morning and instantly zeroed in on the link to these. I have to agree, they look and sound incredible!
How great! Please send my thanks to your husband (and thanks to you too).
Renee, it was nice to read about your friendship with Isabel and how it started, as well as how the group began. Your introduction is beautiful as are your photos and the recipe. We have all grown as bloggers, cooks, and artists as a result of Sunday Supper. I'm looking forward to reading the posts of others who were there from the beginning.
Alaiyo
Thanks so much Alaiyo. I still remember the first comment you left on my blog as it makes me smile even today. You are so kind and I am so happy you have been a part of Sunday Supper and hope you will continue to be a part of it too.
And you know what would go really well with your tarts? Pear slices!
So, so glad I got to meet you and sup at Restaurant August with you and Isabel. One of the peak moments of my whole year!
I have loved being a part of Sunday Supper, and cooking along with everyone each week.
Cheers to another great year!
Oh yes - pear slices - what a great suggestion. The meal we shared at August was epic and probably the best I had all of 2013. It was an evening with dear friends that I'll never forget.
Oh beautiful! I wish I had a tray of these right now. I think the list of contributing recipes reads like a cookbook this week. what a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday Supper!
It is like a cookbook - great observation and I agree on it being a wonderful way to celebrate.
A flaky cream cheese dough filled with blue cheese and walnuts, what a delicious combination of flavors. Pinning!
I'm thinking about using the mini cream cheese shells for other types of tarts too. I bet little cheesecakes with it would be incredible.
I've enjoyed being in SundaySupper with you over the past year and a half! You are such an important part of the Sunday Supper movement. Your blue cheese tarts looks delicious!
Thanks Heather and I've really enjoyed your being in the group and all your contributions, posts, and recipes.
You had me at Cheese! Never mind walnuts! It's so heartfelt to hear of how this group first began, how you met, how you all developed this mission. I'm so happy to be a part of it. Thank you for all you do Renee! Now can I have a tart please?
Tammi - you make us smile so often and it's wonderful that you are a part of the group. It would not be the same without you.
What a great recipe! I'm hoping I can make it to a conference soon to meet everyone!!
Please do try hard to make it to the conference. It would be so nice to meet you in person.
These tarts look adorable and delicious.
Thanks Marie. I actually managed to freeze a few so I can pull them out at a moment's notice and enjoy them later.
These look so amazing, two of my favorite things together are blue cheese and walnuts. I HAVE to make this recipe. Thank you for all you do for making #SundaySupper so wonderful!!!
And thank you Tara for being a part of Sunday Supper too.
Yep. Wine pairs well with cheese and bread. I can see how these tarts are delicious. Looks like it too!
Thanks DB and I'm so glad you are a part of the Sunday Supper Movement and a moderator for our forum.
Seriously tasty looking eats, Renee. You ALWAYS bring it to the table. They look fabulous and I'm sure going to #pin it for the next work shindig. YUMMY!
Oh thank you so much Christie and you know I really appreciate the pin.
I've just recently realized how versatile blue cheese can be. This sounds like a great flavor combo!
I probably don't utilize blue cheese in as many things as I should (like melting it in cheese sauces or using it in mac and cheese). Unfortunately my husband doesn't like blue cheese at all which makes it hard to incorporate it in our meals more often.
I love how your brought your beginning Sunday Supper post into today's. Your article is lovely, as always, both in print and pictures!
You are so kind Betsy and I'm so glad you are a part of the Sunday Supper group.
This recipe looks scrumptious! I am so grateful to you for all you do for #SundaySupper. Thanks for being a great example to me and others. Happy Birthday! HUGS
Thanks and hugs to you Cheryl!
LOVE!
Thanks Terry and it's definitely a recipe I'll make for one of our gatherings.
I saw the picture from the conference on Isabelle's page and I though: "So wish I could ever join you girls!"
But that won't happen in the next years, unfortunately...
Renee your little blue cheese tarts are just mouthwatering good. i can imagine the wonderful flavors and I can't wait to try them. =)
Oh Helene, if only there was a way you could make it to Florida to join us at the conference. It would be wonderful to meet you in person.
Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration for #SundaySupper. I enjoy every event!
Thank you Sarah and you have inspired me in so many way. Your creativity with healthy options and recipes is amazing.
Ooh these sound absolutely delicious Renee!Its been a pleasure cooking along with you for our Sunday Suppers!Would love to meet you in person someday 🙂
I hope we do get to meet in person one day Soni and soon too.
Blue cheese...mmm so good! It's been great getting to know you through this group, Renee! I always love your recipes!
Thank you so much Shaina and I feel the same way about how nice it has been to get to know you through the group.
Beautiful tarts. Just need to swap that blue cheese for something else. Can't get past that taste. 🙂
I think feta would work nicely too. Cheddar is another option.
There is a small independent cheese store in town and they have amazing assortment of different types of blue cheeses. I didn't realise there were so many different ways to get blue cheese and was happy to discover I do like some varieties. Can't wait to give these a try.
Blue cheese has such a range from creamy to crumbly and mild to very pungent. I'm glad to see you have discovered blue cheese to enjoy.
What a gorgeous treat to bring to any party. All of my favs in one tart shell.
Thanks Jane! Those happen to be some of my favs too. Although, I think other combinations of cheese and nuts would be good in these tarts too.
Your tarts are adorable, Renee! You had me at blue cheese, but I need an alternate nut that would go as well as walnuts. I'd love to make these, but walnuts are not my favorite. Any alternate suggestions?
My second choice would be pecans. Another is marcona almonds which are commonly found on cheese trays along with blue cheese.
Happy SS anniversary. You can feed me blue cheese tarts (with or without walnuts) every day of the week! 🙂
Thanks Anita and if you don't care for walnuts I'm sure the tarts would be great without them or with another nut.
These sound so delicious. I love blue cheese and I'm a sucker for anything mini!
I thoroughly enjoy mini treats too. Something about a bite or two doesn't seem so indulgent either. Well, unless I eat a dozen or so.
I know what I'm making for my next party! I love finding new appetizers like this!
Thanks Anne and I hope they are a hit at your next party.
Just the dish to bring to a party -- great ingredient combination -- cathy
I totally agree! Thanks Cathy