Festive savoury tartlets

These mini pastry tartlet shells are wonderful to have on hand for Christmas drinks.

• 2-3 tablespoons chilli jam*
• 12 mini pastry tartlet shells*
• 150g herbed goats' cheese
• 12 cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 12 small basil leaves, to serve

1. Step 1

   Place a small amount of chilli jam in the base of each tart shell. Cover with goats' cheese, spreading smoothly with a palette knife. Place one or two slices of tomato on top, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper and garnish with a basil leaf. (Serve soon after making or the pastry will soften.)

Other fillings could include caramelised onion and goats' cheese; a soft chicken liver pate; or simply pesto. They are also great served sweet with either mincemeat or lemon curd. * Chilli jam is from Asian food stores. We used tartlet shells from Skycrest. See p 230 for stockist details.