Cranberry, Thyme & Whipped “Goat’s Cheese” Tartlets
Description
These little tartlets capture the essence of Christmas in a single bite. Tangy cranberry compote balances beautifully with the creamy, slightly sharp whipped vegan cheese, while fresh thyme adds a gentle herbal note. They’re elegant enough for a festive table yet wonderfully simple to prepare, and almost everything can be made ahead.
The combination of textures makes these irresistible: crisp pastry shells, velvety cheese, and soft, jewel-red cranberries. Set them out with your welcome cocktail and watch them disappear. Perfect for a relaxed Christmas where you still want a touch of refinement.
Ingredients
- 24 mini tartlet shells
- 240 g vegan soft cheese
- 2 tbsp plant cream
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 150 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 50 g caster sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tsp water
- A few thyme leaves
Cranberry compote
To finish
Instructions
- 1 To prepare the cranberry compote, place the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest and water in a small saucepan. Warm over a low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- 2
Increase the heat slightly and simmer for around 8–10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely.- 3
To make the whipped cheese, add the vegan soft cheese, plant cream, lemon juice and maple syrup to a bowl. Whisk until smooth, light and creamy.- 4
If using store-bought tartlet shells, warm them for 2–3 minutes in a low oven to refresh their crispness. Allow to cool.- 5
Spoon or pipe a little whipped cheese into each tartlet shell. Top with a small amount of cranberry compote.- 6
Finish with a few thyme leaves and serve. - 2