Winter Squash Tart

Directions

Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃).

Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and pulp, brush the surface with oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Place the halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet, and bake until the skin is puckered and the squash is soft, about an hour.

Remove it from the oven, let it cool enough to handle easily, then scoop out the flesh.

Pass the flesh through a food mill or chinoise to smooth out the texture.

There should be about 1½ cups.

[Freeze any extra.]

While the squash is baking, prepare the tart dough.

Partially bake it and set aside.

Trim the leeks, quarter them lengthwise, slice them into ¼ inch squares [slice s work too] and wash them well.

Melt the butter in a skillet, add the leeks, and cook over medium-high heat until they are tender, 7 to 10 minutes.

Add a little water after the first 3 or 4 minutes to help the cooking and keep them from burning.

Season with salt.

Beat the eggs in a bowl with the creme fraiche or cream, milk, and squash.

Stir in the leeks, grated cheese, and herbs.

Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a few scrapings of nutmeg.

Set the oven heat at 375℉ (190℃).

Pour the batter into the tart shell and bake in the center of the oven until it is firm and flecked with spots of brown from the melted cheese, about 45 to 50 minutes.

Remove the tart from the oven, let it ret for 5 to 10 minutes, and serve it on a platter.

Makes one 9- or 10-inch tart. xr