Zucchini and Yellow Squash Pastry

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (homemade or store-bought), cut into 6 rectangles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin circles
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into thin circles
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze syrup
• 1 tablespoon hot honey
• Handful of fresh basil, for garnish
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• Garlic seasoning to taste
• Kosher salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures it's at the right temperature when you're ready to bake.
2. Prep the Vegetables
   Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, carefully slice the zucchini and yellow squash into thin circular slices. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. Thinly slice the garlic clove.
3. Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
4. Create the Base
   Drizzle the olive oil, balsamic glaze, and hot honey onto the parchment paper. Scatter the thinly sliced garlic cloves evenly across the oil and glaze mixture. This creates a sweet and savory base that caramelizes beautifully.
5. Arrange the Vegetables
   Arrange the zucchini and yellow squash slices on top of the oil, glaze, and honey mixture, creating an overlapping, slightly shingled pattern. Press them gently so they adhere to the base and stay in place during baking.
6. Season
   Sprinkle the vegetable slices with garlic seasoning and kosher salt to taste. Don't be shy with the seasoning—the vegetables need enough to flavor them well.
7. Add Cheese
   Evenly sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella cheese over the seasoned vegetables. The cheese will melt into the vegetables as they cook.
8. Add Puff Pastry
   Cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 rectangles. Place each puff pastry rectangle on top of the seasoned vegetables, pressing firmly around the zucchini and squash and on top of the pastry so it adheres. The pastry should cover the vegetables completely and create a seal.
9. Egg Wash
   Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of each puff pastry rectangle. This creates that beautiful, shiny golden-brown exterior.
10. Bake
    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. You'll know it's done when the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
11. Cool Slightly
    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tarts cool for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly and makes flipping easier without burning yourself.
12. Flip
    This is the magic moment! Carefully slide a thin spatula or knife under each tart and flip it over onto a serving plate or back onto the baking sheet, revealing the beautiful caramelized vegetables on top.
13. Garnish and Serve
    Tear fresh basil and scatter over each tart. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze for brightness and acidity. Serve warm or at room temperature!