Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 4 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 granny smith apples, cubed into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 oz. grated gruyere cheese
• 2 tbsp. chives, minced
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 package (1 pound) of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

1. Position 1 rack in the upper third and 1 rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and cook the onions (with 1 tsp. of salt) until they're golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove and set aside in a large bowl. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside in the bowl with the onions.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add in the apples with the sugar. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from pan and add to the large bowl with onions and mushrooms.
3. Add the cheese, chives, and thyme to the bowl and stir to combine the mixture well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. With a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place them on the lined baking sheets. Using a pastry brush, brush beaten egg on the squares.
5. Using a tablespoon, place filling in the middle of each puff pastry.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through and switching the baking sheet on the top rack to the bottom and the bottom to the top, until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
7. Let the tarts cool a bit before serving.