**Alsatian-Style Apple and Cream Tart: A Symphony of Rustic Charm and Culinary Delights**
In the heart of Alsace, a region nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, lies a culinary treasure that embodies the essence of rustic elegance: the Alsatian-style apple and cream tart. This delectable pastry, often referred to as "Tarte Alsacienne aux Pommes et à la Crème", is a symphony of flavors and textures that pays homage to the region's rich agricultural heritage.
The crust, a delicate blend of flour, butter, and a touch of salt, provides a sturdy foundation for a luscious filling of thinly sliced apples, gently caramelized in a combination of sugar and butter. The apples, often a blend of sweet and tart varieties, lend a complex flavor profile that is further enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nestled atop the apple filling is a rich and creamy custard, reminiscent of a crème brûlée. This luscious custard, made with eggs, milk, cream, and sugar, adds a velvety texture and a delightful contrast to the crisp crust and tangy apples.
As if to crown this culinary masterpiece, a sprinkling of powdered sugar adorns the top, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance. The Alsatian-style apple and cream tart is a true testament to the art of pastry-making, a harmonious blend of simple ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dessert experience.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a hearty meal or as an indulgent afternoon treat, the Alsatian-style apple and cream tart is sure to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Alsace? Gather your ingredients and let's delve into the delightful recipes that await!
ALSATIAN-STYLE APPLE AND CREAM TART
Steps:
- To make the tart:
- Roll out the dough 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable fluted rim. Prick the shell with a fork and chill it for at least 30 minutes or, covered, overnight. Line the shell with foil, fill the foil with the rice, and bake the shell in the lower third of a preheated 425°F. oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and the rice carefully, bake the shell 10 minutes more, or until it is pale golden, and let it cool in the pan on a rack.
- In a bowl stir together the apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths, the lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar and toss the mixture until the apples are coated well. In a large bowl whisk together the yolks, the cream, 2 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla and stir in the raisins. Arrange the apples decoratively in the shell, pour the cream mixture over them, and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon over it. Bake the tart in the middle of a preheated 375°F. oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a cake tester, let it cool in the pan on a rack, and remove the rim.
- To make the pâte brisée:
- In a large bowl blend the flour, the butter, the vegetable shortening, and the salt until the mixture resembles meal. Add 2 tablespoons ice water, toss the mixture until the water is incorporated, adding more ice water if necessary to form a dough, and form the dough into a ball. Dust the dough with flour and chill it, wrapped in wax paper, for 1 hour.
ALSATIAN-STYLE APPLE PIE
Provided by François Haeringer
Categories Milk/Cream Egg Dessert Bake Thanksgiving Apple Kirsch Fall Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For crust:
- Blend flour, sugar, and salt in processor. Add butter and shortening; cut in using on/off turns until mixture resembles coarse meal. Blend in enough ice water using on/off turns until dough begins to form clumps. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
- For filling:
- Whisk eggs and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl to blend. Whisk in cream, milk, kirsch, and spices. Cook 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until butter begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Whisk into cream mixture. Set custard aside.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add apples and remaining 1/4 cup sugar; sauté until apples begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high; sauté until apples are tender and golden brown, about 7 minutes longer. Cool.
- Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 12 1/2-inch round. Transfer to 9-inch-diameter pie dish. Fold dough edges under and crimp decoratively. Pierce crust all over with fork. Freeze 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line crust with foil. Fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake 10 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake until crust is golden, about 15 minutes longer. Cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Arrange apple mixture in pie shell. Pour custard over. Bake until knife inserted into center comes out clean, covering crust with foil if browning too quickly, about 40 minutes. Transfer pie to rack and cool slightly. Serve warm.
ALSATIAN APPLE AND CREAM TART
I got this recipe from an old Gourmet Magazine, and since the first time I tried it its always been a hit! It's been my husband's favourite dessert, he said this is the best apple tart he's ever tasted. I did a few little modifications. For extra flavor, I soaked the raisins in rum and to save time, I used store bought pie shell instead. Bon Appetit!
Provided by Pinaygourmet 345142
Categories Tarts
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prick the bottom of the shell and bake it on the lower third of a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes, and let it cool in the pan on a rack.
- In a bowl stir together the apples, lemon juice, and 2 table spoons of sugar and toss the mixture until the apples are coated well.
- In a large bowl whisk together the yolks, the cream, 2 1/2 tablespoons of remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla and stir in raisins.
- Arrange the apples decoratively in the shell, pour the cream mixture over them, and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 table spoons of sugar with the cinnamon over it.
- Bake the tart in the middle of a preheated 375°F oven for 1 hour, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a cake tester, let it cool in the pan on the rack.
- Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 287.4, Fat 18, SaturatedFat 8.3, Cholesterol 119.4, Sodium 137.4, Carbohydrate 30.4, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 18, Protein 2.7
Tips:
- For a flaky crust, use a combination of butter and shortening. Grate the butter and shortening into the flour mixture, then use your fingers to work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help to prevent the dough from shrinking in the oven.
- If you don't have a tart pan, you can use a 9-inch pie plate. Just trim the excess dough around the edges.
- To prevent the tart from bubbling up in the oven, poke the bottom of the dough with a fork before baking.
- Bake the tart until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the tart cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will help to set the filling.
Conclusion:
This Alsatian-style apple and cream tart is a delicious and classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The flaky crust, creamy filling, and tart apples are a perfect combination that will please everyone. With a few simple tips, you can make this tart at home and enjoy it with your family and friends.
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