Caramelized Onion and Apple Tassies
8 Tablespoons (4-ounces) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
Pinch of kosher salt
4 bacon slices
1 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
1/2 cup (2-ounces) aged White Cheddar cheese, grated
1 Tablespoon crème fraîche
1 extra large egg
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, beating at low speed until well blended. Shape the mixture into 24 balls. Place on a baking sheet, cover and chill for 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and finely chop; set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and return to medium heat and add the butter. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the apple, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, and cool completely. Once cooled, add the cheese, crème fraîche, egg, and cooked bacon, mixing until combined. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Place the dough balls into the cups of a lightly greased 24-cup mini-muffin pan. Press the dough up the sides of the cups to form a cup. Divide apple mixture evenly between the dough cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the tassies from the pan to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!