Potato-Crusted Goat Cheese Tart on a Weekday: Not Recommended, Unless You Really Cannot Live Without Goat Cheese Awesomeness

I've had this recipe in mind for at least four days and decided today was the day. It requires a ton of steps, including chopping, caramelizing, béchamel  making, deep frying, and baking. But the girls were off to t-ball with Laura so I had some time on my hands. Here's how it came together:
1. Caramelize the onions.

2. Add a bunch of thyme and red peppers and saute for a while. 

I took a quick break to check on the children, who were happily watching Pink Panther cartoons. Some of the onions got overly caramelized (burned). 

3. Pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay. 

4. Make béchamel sauce.

I used our largest saucepan for a half cup of sauce. Don't do this. 

5. Slice one gigantic potato into very thin slices. I used a mandoline slicer. And I didn't slice off any body parts in the process. 

6. Soak perfectly sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes.

7. Watch Pink Panther create havoc (this step is optional).

8. Make your children dinner. Something easy, like hot dogs and left over green beans.

9. Dry off potatoes. 

10. Fry in oil until soft, but not brown. Some of my potatoes got brown, but I blame it on the children.

10. Layer potato slices in tart pans. Top with onion/red pepper mixture. Top with béchamel and crumbled goat cheese.

11. Bake for 20 minutes, at 375.

Here's the finished product:

With Cyd in bed and Fiona playing with mazes on the computer, we enjoyed this meal on the back deck. Laura: "This is so freaking good, it's ridiculous! This is the best thing I've ever eaten." Granted, she was hungry. But really, this was fantastic.

This meal was inspired by this recipe. 

Oh, and with the leftover potatoes, I made potato chips, because I'm Martha Stewart.