Spring for a Brunch Meal

Usher in spring with a festive brunch meal. Fresh asparagus is a spring star in this puff pastry Asparagus and Ham Tart. It can either be a main dish or cut into small appetizer pieces. Lemon Ricotta Cake is the perfect dessert to welcome spring with a delicious moist richness and a fresh lemon flavor. 
It was previously at http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/03/spring-has-sprung.html

Pair the meal with a compote of Fresh Fruit with Chinese Five-Spice Vinaigrette.

Asparagus and Ham Tarts
Recipe serves 6 and adapted from cuisineathome.com
Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed according to package directions 
• Dijon mustard 
• 6-8 pieces thinly sliced deli ham 
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese 
• 12 thin asparagus spears 
• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 TB. water 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad. 
• On the baking sheet gently roll the pastry sheet once. Cut into thirds lengthwise and push each piece a few inches apart. 
• Score a ¼ inch border around each pastry with the tip of the knife but don't cut through. This helps create a puffy border. 
• Spread a thin layer of mustard inside the border of each pastry. Divide the ham and place over the mustard. Sprinkle cheese over ham and arrange 4 asparagus spears in a single layer over each pastry. 
• Brush pastry borders with egg wash. 
• Bake tarts until pastries are golden brown and cheese melts, 15 to 17 minutes. 

Asparagus and Ham Tarts served as appetizers.

Fresh Fruit Compote with Chinese Five Spice Vinaigrette
Recipe from cuisineathome.com. Purchase a prepared bowl of mixed fruits in produce section.
Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed fruit (e.g.grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, cantaloupe) 

Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 TB. each fresh lime juice and honey 
• 1/2 tsp. lime zest 
• 1/8 tsp. Five Spice Powder 

Directions:

• Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle over fruit