Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart

I saw this glorious tart on Smitten Kitchen a few weeks ago and was instantly obsessed. She made it sound transcendent, and I knew it would have to grace my kitchen at some point. But it sounded so rich, so decadent that I just wasn’t sure when. Well, this past weekend a girlfriend of mine was coming to the Walla Walla for a visit and it just seemed like the right time. I gathered all the needed ingredients, even ordering truffle salt online to be sure the tart could reach the peak of deliciousness that the recipe promised. And then we went wine tasting, and by the time we got home and I was ready to make dinner, I realized a complicated recipe like this was just not going to happen. I made some Puttanesca instead and we called it a night.

I couldn’t stop thinking about this tart, though, and I did have all the ingredients. So I decided to make it Sunday for a late afternoon lunch instead. And yes, it lived up to its promise. In fact, it lived up to its promise so well I really, really wished I’d found a way to make it for my friend. This meal is truly a treat, an indulgence of the highest order. It would have been perfect after an afternoon of wine tasting. If I’d only thought to make it ahead of time…

It’s not a weeknight meal, as it’s a bit fussy and involves multiple steps and plenty of time. And with Gruyere and mascarpone cheese, not to mention the truffle salt, well, it’s a little pricey. And yeah, it’s extremely rich and kind of heavy and it’s not often that I say food is almost too rich, but this one was up there. But it’s a wonderful special occasion meal, and would probably be perfect for a brunch or a shower of some sort. Don’t get me wrong, it was great for a late Sunday lunch, but I have a lot of leftovers now and I’m not sure I can eat this stuff all weekend without needing regular afternoon naps.

Oh, and when it came out of the oven, it was so gloriously browned and puffed up that I think I audibly gasped in surprise and awe. It deflated once it had set out for awhile, but it was kind of cool. It made me want to make a souffle.

I didn’t change the recipe at all, so I’m just going to send you running right along to the source: cauliflower and caramelized onion tart on Smitten Kitchen. If you’re interested in food and don’t already read Deb’s fabulous blog, well, who are you? I think everyone probably reads Deb’s blog. It’s all award winning and stuff, plus she shares pictures of her adorable baby boy, for which I am a total sucker.

If you’re looking for something extra special to serve for a party, or just for a leisurely Sunday supper, I highly recommend giving this one a shot. So, so very worth it, even if it is nap inducing.