GRUYERE & CARAMELIZED ONION BITES

INGREDIENTS:

4 tablespoons salted butter, divided

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

5-6 ounces crimini or button mushrooms, sliced

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sugar

1½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper, to taste

4 ounces grated gruyere cheese 

1 package (1 pound) frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, lightly beaten

DIRECTIONS:

In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter along with the 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions for 5 minutes. Add sugar and continue to cook for 25 minutes on medium low heat. Make sure to stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so. If the onions are caramelizing too fast, turn down the heat a little more. Add the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, allow the onions to soak it all in. Turn off heat. Add the onions to the mushroom mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature. Add the gruyere cheese and mix well.

Position two racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place them on a lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush the beaten egg on the squares. Place a tablespoon of caramelized onion mixture in the center. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway in between until crisp and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. And Enjoooy! ;)