These lavender goat cheese tarts are a delightful combination of crispiness, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness, offering a uniquely sophisticated and flavorful experience.

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Raise your hand if you are tired of bringing the same old overdone appetizers. Ok, not all of you care that much – but I’m sure half of you do! Some of you may think “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. But I find it’s always nice to mix it up from time to time and bring something a bit unexpected to the party. These Lavender Goat Cheese Tarts definitely check the “unexpected” box.

In today’s post, we are going to dive deep into equipment needs and step-by-step how to make this recipe. Also… this recipe uses my BRAND NEW spice blend – my FRENCH blend! If you are an avid reader of my blogs – you get insider info on the launch of my newest product (I haven’t told anyone else yet!). My French blend is in production as I am writing this blog and I should have it in hand by the end of the week! So keep your eyes peeled for it to be added to my shop page very soon!!! (P.S. – IT’S OUT NOW! CLICK HERE TO SHOP!)

This post is all about Lavender Goat Cheese Tarts!

Lavender In Cooking

Ah, lavender – the fragrant herb that adds a touch of elegance to both gardens and kitchens alike. Originating from the picturesque fields of Provence in France, this herb has found its way into the hearts of cooks around the world.

Picture this: you’re in your kitchen, feeling adventurous, and you decide to sprinkle a bit of dried lavender into your culinary creation. First things first, lavender has a distinct floral and slightly sweet flavor. It’s like a tiny bouquet for your taste buds.

Lavender is a fantastic companion to both sweet and savory dishes. For desserts, imagine lavender-infused shortbread cookies or a lavender-infused honey drizzle over a vanilla panna cotta. On the savory side, try it with roasted lamb or in a delicate lavender-infused vinaigrette for salads.

However, a word of caution: moderation is key. Too much lavender can turn your dish from elegant to overpowering. Start with a pinch and let your taste buds guide you.

Now, when it comes to dried lavender, remember that it’s more potent than fresh. A little goes a long way, so be cautious not to overwhelm your dish.

My newest spice blend is my own version of Herbs De Province with a pinch of lavender. It is the perfect spice blend to use with this recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it!

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How To Make Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a creamy, tangy delight. Here’s a simplified rundown of the process of how to make goat cheese:

Gathering the Milk

The journey starts with collecting fresh goat milk. The quality of the milk directly influences the flavor and texture of the final cheese.

Acidification

The milk is gently heated, and a starter culture or acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, is added. This kickstarts the fermentation process, converting lactose into lactic acid, giving the cheese its characteristic tang.

Coagulation

Next, it’s time to introduce a coagulating enzyme called rennet to thicken the milk. This creates curds – the solid part of the mixture.

Cutting and Draining

The formed curds are then cut into smaller pieces, allowing the whey (the liquid part) to separate. The size of the curds influences the final texture of the cheese.

Molding and Pressing

The curds are placed into molds to shape the cheese. Depending on the desired style of goat cheese, it may be pressed to expel more whey and create a denser texture.

Salting

Salt is often added to enhance the flavor and act as a preservative. The cheese may be salted directly or through soaking in a brine solution.

Aging (Optional)

Some goat cheeses are enjoyed fresh, while others undergo aging for added complexity. Aging can range from a few days to several months, leading to variations in flavor and texture.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Puff Pastry

Premade puff pastry is a gem you can easily find in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Brands like Pepperidge Farm and Dufour offer convenient sheets or pre-rolled options that save you from the meticulous labor of making it from scratch.

Now, let’s talk texture. Puff pastry is a marvel of flaky, buttery layers. The secret lies in the laminating process, where the dough is repeatedly folded and rolled with butter, creating those delightful pockets that puff up during baking. The result? Light, crispy layers that shatter with every bite.

What sets puff pastry apart from other pastries is its ability to rise into a delicate, airy structure. Croissants may come close, but puff pastry takes the crown for its versatility. Sweet or savory, puff pastry serves as the perfect blank canvas for anything from classic Napoleons to savory pinwheels.

Goat Cheese

For this recipe, I used a basic unflavored goat cheese. Feel free to experiment with other flavors of goat cheese!

French Seasoning

Keep your eyes peeled for my French seasoning launching in February 2024!! It’s my version of Herbs De Province with a lavender twist!

Honey

This ingredient will add a pinch of sweetness to a very savory and elegant appetizer.

Egg

The egg wash serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it adds a beautiful golden sheen to the finished product, giving it that enticing, bakery-fresh look. It’s why your croissants have that glossy, golden crust that we all know and love.

Secondly, the proteins in the egg contribute to browning during baking, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your creations. This Maillard reaction, where amino acids and sugars react under heat, not only makes your baked goods look fantastic but also imparts a depth of flavor.

Beyond aesthetics, an egg wash can also act as a glue, helping toppings like seeds or sugar stick to the surface. It’s like the culinary equivalent of making sure everything stays in place and looks picture-perfect.

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Equipment Needs

Mini Tart Pans

These mini tart pans come in a pack of 16 for around $23. They have a removable bottom to help seamlessly remove your tarts after cooking.

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If you like this recipe, make sure to also check out:

this Lavender Honey Chicken recipe

OR click here to explore the entire French cuisine category!

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