A Summer Delight: Learn How to Create a Fresh Fruit Tart from Scratch

Have you ever craved a dessert that embodies the essence of a beautiful summer day? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the delightful world of fruit tarts. Imagine a flaky homemade crust smothered in velvety pastry cream and adorned with a vibrant array of fresh strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, and mandarin slices – a visual and culinary masterpiece perfect for any occasion.

Crust Creation: The Foundation of Your Tart

To kickstart this culinary journey, we begin with crafting the very foundation of our fruit tart – the homemade crust. Don't let the idea of making crust from scratch intimidate you; it's easier than you think! Prepare a buttery, golden crust that crumbles delicately with every bite, offering the perfect contrast to the luscious fruits it cradles.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 egg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1/4 cup of brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.

• Incorporate chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Roll your dough on a flat surface (use parchment paper to avoid the dough to sick)

• Flip the dough into a tart pan with the parchment paper on top

• Next you can either lay out dry beans on top of your parchment paper or puncture holes all over your dough with a fork to avoid air bubbles while it bakes

• Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Pastry Cream: "La Creme Patissiere"

Now, let's delve into the heart of the fruit tart – the delectable pastry cream. Silky, rich, and luscious, this cream is the glue that holds everything together.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 4 egg yolks

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Heat milk in a saucepan.

• Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.

• Temper egg mixture with warm milk, then cook until thickened.

• Stir in vanilla extract and chill before use.

Tip: Lay out a piece of saran wrap on top of your pastry creme while chilling to avoid a crust forming.

Fruit Medley: A Symphony of Flavors

Now, the artistic part – arranging the fresh fruits atop your masterpiece! Let your creativity shine as you decorate your tart with a vibrant rainbow of strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, and mandarin slices. The burst of colors and flavors will elevate your creation to a whole new level.

Unleash Your Creativity:

• Layer the fruits in a visually appealing pattern.

• Brush with apricot glaze for that professional sheen.

The Finale: Indulge in Your Creation

Congratulations! You've successfully crafted a sensational fruit tart from scratch, embodying the spirit of summer in every bite. Gather your loved ones, slice into this culinary masterpiece, and savor the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Pro-tip:

• Serve chilled for a refreshing and delightful treat.

Embrace the art of dessert-making and relish in the joy of creating something special for your friends and family. This fruit tart is not just a dessert; it's a testament to your culinary prowess and love for vibrant, fresh flavors. So, pick up those aprons, preheat that oven, and let your creative juices flow – a summer delight awaits you!

BON APPETIT !