Tomato Tart--this ain't pizza!

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It's summer, and one of my favorite things about summer is summer vegetables!  Do your body and your taste buds a favor and pick up some beautiful tomatoes at your local farmer's market this weekend.

I enjoyed two slices of this for dinner along with a glass of champagne. The herbs de provence provide a hint of lavender, and celebrate the ripeness of the tomatoes.  The egg custard provided a smooth texture, contrasting the flakiness of the homemade tart crust.

To make this tart, you will need to either make the crust, or use a pre-made crust.

12 tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 par-baked 9-inch tart crust (see roasted potato tart recipe)

1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

2 large eggs

1/4 cup light cream

1 teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper.

1. Position your oven racks so that one is in the center. Preheat to 375 degrees.

2. Put the tomato slices in a colander, and place it in the sink. Let the tomatoes sit for 15 minutes to drain off any excess liquid.

3. Spread the mustard evenly over the tart shell. Sprinkle the cheese over the mustard, and sprinkle the herbes de Provence over the cheese.

4. Working from the outside in, lay the drained tomato slices in overlapping concentric circles, making sure the crust is covered entirely.

5. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, or a large measuring cup with a spout, to break up the yolks. Whisk in the cream, salt, and pepper. This is your custard. Pour the custard evenly over the tomatoes until it comes to about 1/4 inch from the top edge of the crust.  (If you have a little extra, don't worry about it).

6. Place the tart on the center rack in the oven, and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the custard is set. (Set custard won't jiggle when you shake the pan and will be firm when you touch it). The tomatoes in this tart may give off a hot liquid--don't confuse this with uncooked eggs and overcook your tart. The liquid will evaporate as the tart cools.

7. Remove the tart from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Allow the tart to cool slightly.