Swiss chard is by far my favorite leafy green vegetable. Growing up in an Italian household with a backyard garden, swiss chard picked and cooked the same day was a common occurrence – lucky me! I love its earthy flavor, especially this time of year when the leaves and stems are particularly sweet and tender. This tart is a warm fall treat served alone as an appetizer, or as a simple supper alongside roasted beets and a small salad. Oh, and of course with a glass of wine!

Ingredients:

*Serves 6 for an appetizer, 4 as small side

• 1 small bunch rainbow swiss chard, stems and leaves finely chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tblsp butter
• ½ tsp grated nutmeg
• 2 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated fontina cheese
• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
• Salt, pepper

Preheat oven to 425º. Place the sheet of puff pastry dough into a tart pan, pressing the dough up the sides. Cover and chill until ready to fill.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook until translucent and soft but not browned. Add the swiss chard and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the mixture with the grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Add the cooled onion and swiss chard mixture, and half of the grated cheese. Pour the mixture over the puff pastry in the tart pan and top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350º and cook 15 minutes longer until the filling is set and slightly browned on top. Bon appétit!