Goat Cheese Vegetable Tarts

"Merry Christmas... come to our party... bring a dish to share." We've all been there, but something about going to someone else's party zaps creativity, not to mention the chaos of Christmas shopping, crafting and baking leaving nothing but exhaustion in its cheerful path. Let puff pastry be your savior.

Whip together a quick tart with baked puff pastry, goat cheese and your favorite vegetables. Take five minutes to arrange the vegetables beautifully and people will think you took all day. Mushrooms and asparagus are my favorites, but zucchini or roasted red peppers would be lovely too.

You can prebake before the party and quickly warm when you arrive, but just be sure to ask your hosts if they have room in the oven. Don't be THAT guest.

Simply prick the surface before baking to avoid overpuffing. Also avoid overly puffed party shirts... don't be THAT guest.

You can also pre-bake the pastry a day ahead to save yourself the pre-party craziness.

Goat Cheese Vegetable Tarts
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
1 1/2 cups goat cheese crumbles
1 bunch asparagus OR 2 cups sauteed mushrooms
S&P

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place puff pastry on parchment paper and prick surface all over with a fork. Bake pastry for 10-15 minutes or until it just begins to turn golden.

Once pastry is cooled, top with goat cheese, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Artfully arrange vegetables and sprinkle with S&P. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese begins to melt.

Recipe inspiration from the one and only Martha Stewart.