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Thursday, July 04, 2024

Fresh Fruit Tart with Vanilla Custard

There’s nothing prettier than a fresh fruit tart for summer gatherings. They are just so pretty and so bright and don’t they just shout out summer dessert? I like to use whatever fruit I can find that is perfectly ripe and ready to use. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and kiwi work well. Mandarin oranges add a nice citrus touch. I also like to make smaller 4 inch tarts so each person has their own. These make wonderful gifts too! So easy to make and so delicious!

Fresh Fruit Tart with Vanilla Custard

CRUST

2 tablespoons heavy cream, very cold

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Whisk the cold heavy cream, egg, and vanilla together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the cubed butter on top and cut in using a pastry cutter or two forks until the entire mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs-- a few larger crumbs is okay.

Pour the cream and egg mixture on top and stir to combine. Use your hands to make a ball. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and flatten into a 1-inch thick disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour . Remove dough from the refrigerator and roll out into a 9-inch circle. Place into a greased 9-inch tart pan and press it down into the pan and up the sides until it is even all around. Trim off excess dough. Place in freezer for at least a 20-30 minutes. It is important for the dough to be very cold before it goes into the oven.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove crust from the freezer and bake for about 20 minutes. Use a fork to prick a few holes into the bottom of the crust and bake for 5-6 more minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool completely before filling.

VANILLA CUSTARD CREAM

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole milk

Yolks from 2 large eggs

2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, and whisking constantly, boil for four to five minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove the pan from the heat.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about one cup of the hot-milk mixture. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and, whisking constantly; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thicker. Remove the pan from the heat.

Add the butter and vanilla, and stir until the butter is melted. Strain the custard through a fine sieve set over a medium bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.

FRUIT & GLAZE

Your choice of fresh sliced fruit

2 tablespoons orange or apricot preserves

1 tablespoon water

Glaze:

Garnish the tart with fresh fruit. Mix the preserves with the water and warm for about 15 seconds in the microwave or melt it on top of the stove in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and set aside.

Brush glaze on top of the fruit. You can also pour it on top. You just want to make sure all the fruit is glazed and shiny. The more gloss, the prettier the tart. Slice and enjoy! Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a few days.

I used these 6 inch tart pans for individual tarts. This recipe should make 4 of them.