Instructions: To make the crust:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, stir together the egg yolk and lemon juice and add to the flour mixture. Add enough of the cold water to bind the dough together and give the consistency needed. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead several times. Wrap in wax paper and chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 12 cup, 2-inch tartlet pan. Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 12 rounds with a 2 1/2 inch cutter and line each cup of the prepared pan with 1 pastry round.

To make the filling:
Sprinkle each round with 1 tablespoon of the cheese and sprinkle some ham into each cup. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the pastry shells and sprinkle with the herbs. Bake for 35 for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Remove and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 12 tartlets.

YIELD: VARIABLE APPETIZER SERVINGS

THE GINGERBREAD MANSION

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