Best 15 Cornmeal Tart Dough Recipes

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**Cornmeal Tart Dough: A Versatile and Flavorful Crust for Sweet and Savory Pies**

Cornmeal tart dough is a unique and flavorful pastry crust made with a combination of cornmeal, all-purpose flour, butter, and sugar. Its golden-brown color, slightly crumbly texture, and nutty flavor make it a versatile choice for both sweet and savory pies. This versatile dough can be used to create a variety of delicious tarts, from classic fruit pies to savory quiches and galettes. With its unique flavor and texture, cornmeal tart dough adds a touch of rustic charm to any dish. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy-to-make dough is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Explore the recipes in this article to discover the endless possibilities of cornmeal tart dough and create delectable treats that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 15 tried and tested recipes!

CORNMEAL CRUST



Cornmeal Crust image

This cornmeal crust is the perfect shell for our Tamale Pies.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
4 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Whisk cornmeal with 1 1/2 cups cold water.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water, salt, and pepper to a boil.
  • Gradually stir in cornmeal mixture. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring often, until very thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted.

BLUEBERRY CORNMEAL SHORTBREAD TART



Blueberry Cornmeal Shortbread Tart image

Part tart, part crumble, this blueberry shortbread is an excellent way to use up as many blueberries as you can get your hands on. The exposed surface allows the fruit to cook down, thickening and getting jammy with just a little bit of flour to help it along. It's ideal for baking, slicing and bringing to any and all outdoor gatherings, or serving at home with a ridiculous amount of vanilla ice cream.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     pies and tarts, dessert

Time 50m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups/190 grams all-purpose flour
1/3 cup/55 grams cornmeal
1/3 cup/50 grams confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup/55 grams light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup/170 grams unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
1 pound/455 grams blueberries
1/2 cup/110 grams light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Small pinch of kosher salt

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Make the crust and topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, confectioners' sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter, then use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine ingredients until no dry spots remain.
  • Press half of the cornmeal mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (alternatively, use a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan, lined with parchment), making sure the mixture is evenly pressed on the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides. (Using something large and flat, like the bottom of a measuring cup, will be helpful.) Reserve the remaining mixture.
  • Make the filling: Toss blueberries, brown sugar, vinegar, flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Pour the fruit into the crust.
  • Crumble the remaining cornmeal mixture over the blueberries, pressing bits of the mixture together into large clumps as you go, as you would with a crisp or coffee-cake topping.
  • Bake tart until the blueberry filling is bubbly and thickened, and both the crust and top are nicely browned, 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Let tart cool completely before slicing into triangles and serving. The tart can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated (especially if your kitchen is hot or humid).

EASY CORNMEAL CRUST FOR PIES, GALETTES AND CROSTATAS



Easy Cornmeal Crust for Pies, Galettes and Crostatas image

This easy cornmeal crust comes together in minutes and gives a rustic looking crust for pies, quiches, tarts, galettes and crostatas. Perfect for savory dishes like tomato galettes or for pie crusts that you would like light, but crunchy bite with.

Provided by Michele

Categories     BASICS

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Cornmeal/medium or coarse grind)
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
6 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Ounces Ice Cold Water
2-3 Tablespoons Cornmeal to prevent sticking when rolling out.

Steps:

  • Place flour, cornmeal, salt and sugar into a bowl.
  • Using a whisk, mix until well combined
  • Add butter. Using your hands mix into dry mix, the mixture will be someone mealy looking at this point.
  • Add olive oil and stir until combined. There will be areas that arent completely combined, don't worry. When you add the water it will meld.
  • Add as much of the ice cold water to have the dough stick together. It may seem a little stringy at this point but it is fine.
  • Form into a ball and place in the fridge for 30 mins to an 1 hour until chilled.
  • Onto a peice of parchment paper, sprinkle a little bit of cornmeal.
  • Place chilled dough ball into the center and then dust a rolling pin with a little cornmeal as well.
  • Roll dough out to 1/4" thickness. If the dough starts to stick, sprinkle a little bit more cornmeal on top.
  • Bake and use according to your gallete, tart, crust or quiche recipe dictates.
  • You can make this ahead and chill up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 calories, Carbohydrate 25 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 31 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 19 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 536 grams sodium, Sugar 1 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat

VEGGIE POT PIE WITH CORNMEAL PIE CRUST



Veggie Pot Pie with Cornmeal Pie Crust image

Provided by Damaris Phillips

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
3/4 cup white cornmeal, such as Weisenbergers
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 large egg yolk
3 to 6 tablespoons ice water
8 small new potatoes, medium dice (about 3 cups)
1 large yam, peeled and medium dice (about 3 cups)
2 parsnips, peeled and medium dice (about 1 cup)
2 stalks celery, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
12 medium shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 3/4 cups)
8 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups mushroom broth, warmed
1/2 cup frozen peas
6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped
1/2 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

Steps:

  • For the crust: Combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse just until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water. With the processor running, drizzle in the yolk mixture. The dough should just come together. If it looks dry add more water, up to 4 tablespoons.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until it comes together; it will be stiffer than a regular pie crust because of the cornmeal. Divide into four pieces, press into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • For the filling: Toss the potatoes, yam, parsnips, celery and mushrooms with 4 tablespoons oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast, tossing once halfway through, until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. You don't want to cook these all the way though since they will cook more in the pot pie. (They should be al dente, but starting to get some color.)
  • Combine the flour and remaining 4 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until smooth and bubbly like pancake batter, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the mushroom broth. Simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season to taste and remove from the heat.
  • Add the roasted veggies to the mushroom broth along with the peas, thyme, rosemary and sherry vinegar. Divide the filling among four 8-ounce ramekins.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and roll each into a 5-inch disc. Wet the rim each ramekin and lay a crust over the top. Poke each 5 or 6 times with a fork and place in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

CORNMEAL TART DOUGH



Cornmeal Tart Dough image

This cornmeal tart dough recipe yields enough dough for one Lemon Pine-Nut Tart.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup coarse cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2-4 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

  • Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor; pulse several times. Add butter; process until mixture is the consistency of coarse meal, about 7 seconds. With motor running, add yolks and enough ice water so dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  • Divide dough in half; press to flatten into disks. Wrap each in plastic; chill at least 30 minutes or overnight.

TOMATO PIE WITH CORNMEAL CRUST



Tomato Pie with Cornmeal Crust image

Tomato pie is a staple in Low Country cuisine, and if you're unfamiliar with this dish, it's not a dessert at all. I layer sliced heirloom tomatoes, my famous pimiento cheese, herbs, onion and ham in a cornmeal pie crust and bake them up. The result is a to-die-for side or main dish that I know you'll love.

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

1/2 cup plain yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
5 tablespoons ice cold water
4 to 5 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon Miss Brown's House Seasoning, recipe follows
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1/2 large Vidalia onion, very thinly sliced
4 ounces tasso or smoked ham, diced
1 cup Pimiento Cheese, recipe follows
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
8 ounces extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, shredded
4 ounces white Cheddar (preferably Vermont Cheddar), shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces diced pimientos, drained and juice reserved
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Make the cornmeal crust: Combine the cornmeal, flour and salt in a food processor and pulse until combined. Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles small peas. Add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until the mixture comes together and forms a dough. Shape the dough into a disc, then wrap with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • For the filling: Meanwhile, arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on paper towel-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to allow the water from the tomatoes to release, then pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Roll out the dough out to an 11-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Fold the edges under and crimp the edges. Fill the pie crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans. Bake on the bottom rack until the crust is browned and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, carefully lift out the parchment and weights and let cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
  • Sprinkle the tomatoes with the House Seasoning. Layer a third of the tomatoes on the bottom of the crust and sprinkle with a third of the herbs. Top with half of the onion, half of the ham and 1/3 cup Pimiento Cheese. Repeat the layers once. Top with the remaining tomatoes, herbs and remaining 1/3 cup Pimiento Cheese. Bake on the bottom rack until the pie is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with more fresh herbs, if desired.
  • Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
  • Add the Cheddars, cream cheese, pimientos and mayo to a bowl and mix together. Add the chives, garlic powder, cayenne, smoked paprika and salt and pepper and mix until thoroughly combined.

CORNMEAL PIE CRUST



Cornmeal Pie Crust image

I haven't tried this, but thought it sounded interesting. You may want to use less salt, per review.

Provided by Scotty Callies Mom

Categories     Dessert

Time 10m

Yield 1 pie crust, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg
1/4 cup cold water

Steps:

  • Combine cornmeal, flour and 1 tsp salt in a bowl.
  • Cut in shortening.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together egg and 1/4 cup water.
  • Add to cornmeal mixture.
  • Press into 9 inch pie plate to form crust.
  • Use in place of regular pie crust.

BLUEBERRY PIE WITH A CORNMEAL CRUST



Blueberry Pie With a Cornmeal Crust image

This recipe came to The Times from Diana Scott-Sho of the Luscious Little Dessert Company in Yonkers. A picture of this pie prompted many an email from readers asking where they could get the recipe. What sets this pie apart from the usual summer berry is twofold. First, there's the nubby cornmeal crust, nearly as sweet as a cookie but still flaky. Second, there is the blueberry syrup drizzled on the top. This was a genius move on Ms. Scott-Sho's part. Rather than just letting the overflowing sugary juice fossilize on the baking sheet, she spoons it while still bubbling hot over the top of the pie. Not only does this make cleanup slightly easier, it adds a completely different textural experience. You get the jammy, juicy fruit, the crisp crust and then the syrup, which thickens into something akin to soft fruit leather, and far tastier.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     pies and tarts, dessert

Time 3h

Yield One 9-inch pie

Number Of Ingredients 13

290 grams all-purpose flour (about 2 1/2 cups), more for rolling out dough
35 grams cornmeal (about 1/4 cup)
35 grams sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
2 grams salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
12 tablespoons butter, unsalted, chilled, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled, cut into small pieces
135 grams granulated sugar (about 3/4 cup)
30 grams cornstarch (about 1/4 cup)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 lemon, zested and juiced
6 cups fresh blueberries (about 3 pints)
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Demerara or raw sugar

Steps:

  • Make the crust: blend flour, cornmeal, sugar and salt in a food processor. Add butter and shortening, then pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 4 tablespoons ice water and blend until dough forms a ball, adding more ice water, a half-tablespoon at a time (up to 2 additional tablespoons), if dough is dry. Divide dough in half, flatten into two round disks, wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, make the filling: whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt and lemon zest. Fold in 4 cups blueberries, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water. Let stand at room temperature about 45 minutes until juices form. Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups blueberries.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured surface, roll out one dough round. Transfer rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie pan and fill with blueberry mixture. Roll out the second dough round, then use it to cover the pie, decoratively crimping together dough edges to seal. Score top crust with a knife so pie can vent. Brush with milk and sprinkle with Demerara sugar.
  • Place pie pan on a rimmed cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling, about 35 minutes more. Spoon any escaped juices onto pie. Transfer to a rack and cool completely before serving.

APRICOT TART WITH CORNMEAL CRUST



Apricot Tart with Cornmeal Crust image

Categories     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Buffet     Apricot     Cornmeal     Summer     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
Apricot filling:
5 cups water
12 ounces dried apricot halves (about 2 2/3 cups)
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3 tablespoons sugar
Apricot Sauce (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Steps:

  • For crust:
  • Whisk flour, cornmeal and salt in small bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl to blend. Beat in egg yolks. Add dry ingredients and beat just until blended. Divide dough in half; flatten into disks. Wrap each dough disk in plastic and refrigerate 20 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated. Let dough soften slightly at room temperature before using.)
  • Meanwhile, prepare apricot filling:
  • Bring 5 cups water to simmer in heavy medium pot over medium heat. Add apricots and poach until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain well.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Unwrap 1 dough disk; press onto bottom and up sides of tart pan. Spread apricot preserves over bottom of crust. Place poached apricots over preserves, covering crust completely and overlapping slightly. Using pastry brush, brush beaten egg over edges of crust. Roll out second dough disk between 2 sheets of parchment paper to 12-inch round. Remove top piece of parchment; using 1-inch-diameter cookie cutter, cut hole in center of top crust. Turn crust over onto filling. Remove second piece of parchment paper. Press around crust edges to seal. Cut off excess dough to make top crust flush with tart pan sides. Brush crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons sugar.
  • Bake tart until cornmeal crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Transfer apricot tart to rack. Cool 30 minutes. Remove tart from pan and cool completely. (Apricot tart can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.) Serve tart with Apricot Sauce and whipped cream, if desired.

CORNMEAL PIE DOUGH



Cornmeal Pie Dough image

This dough forms the crust for Acorn Squash and Honey Pies.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Yield Makes four 5-inch pie crusts

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stoneground
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 large egg yolks

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers, mix in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and 3 tablespoons ice water. Add egg-yolk mixture to flour mixture. Using a fork, mix quickly and lightly. Knead dough lightly in bowl until dough holds together; add up to 1 tablespoon ice water if dry. Divide dough into four equal balls. Press each ball into a disk; wrap in plastic. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

GOAT CHEESE AND TOMATO TART IN A CORNMEAL CRUST



Goat Cheese and Tomato Tart in a Cornmeal Crust image

Categories     Tomato     Appetizer     Bake     Picnic     Goat Cheese     Cornmeal     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 36 hors d'oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 14

For crust:
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ice water
pie weights or raw rice for weighting crust
For custard:
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
7 ounces mild soft goat cheese, softened
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, well softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
3/4 pound vine-ripened cherry tomatoes (preferably red)

Steps:

  • Make crust:
  • Cut butter into pieces.
  • In a food processor pulse together flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add ice water and pulse until incorporated and mixture just forms a dough. Press dough evenly into bottom and up sides of a 10 1/2- by 7- by 1-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable fluted rim (see note, above) and roll a rolling pin over rim of pan to trim dough flush with rim. Chill crust about 20 minutes, or until firm.
  • While crust is chilling, preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Line crust with foil and fill with pie weights or raw rice. Bake crust in lower third of oven until edge is set, 10 minutes. Carefully remove foil and weights or rice and bake crust 5 minutes more, or until just dry. Leave oven on and cool crust in pan on a rack (crust may crack slightly). Crust may be made 1 day ahead and kept, loosely covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature.
  • Make custard:
  • Chop basil. In a bowl whisk together basil and remaining custard ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour custard into crust, spreading evenly. Halve tomatoes and arrange, cut sides up, in one layer on custard, pressing lightly into custard. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper and bake tart in lower third of oven until custard is just set, about 25 minutes. Cool tart to warm in pan on rack. Tart may be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely before being chilled, covered, in pan. Reheat tart, uncovered, in a 350°F. oven or bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Carefully remove rim from pan. Cut tart into roughly 2-inch pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

BARLEY-CORNMEAL CRUST



Barley-Cornmeal Crust image

Barley flour, cornmeal, and a hint of grapefruit juice make this easy pie crust extra flavorful. Try it with this Blueberry-Nectarine Lattice Pie.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Categories     Bake     Pie     Summer     Cornmeal     Dessert     Vegetarian     Soy Free     Tree Nut Free

Yield Makes enough for one 9-inch pie with a lattice top

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup (142 g) unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
¾ cup (103 g) barley flour
⅔ cup (74 g) fine stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (140 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
⅓ cup (75 g) cold fresh grapefruit juice

Steps:

  • Combine both flours, the cornmeal, sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse until well mixed. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, with a few almond-sized pieces remaining. Sprinkle the grapefruit juice over the mixture and pulse until the dry ingredients are evenly moistened and large clumps just start to form. When you squeeze some of the fine crumbs between your fingers, they should hold together.
  • Turn the dough out and divide it into 2 portions, one slightly larger than the other.
  • Shape the dough into two 1-inch-thick disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
  • Make-ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. It can be frozen in resealable plastic freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

CORNMEAL CRUST



Cornmeal Crust image

Provided by Allison Kave

Categories     Cornmeal

Yield Makes enough for one double-crust 9-inch (23-cm) pie crust

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks/170 g) unsalted European-style cultured butter
1/4 cup (55 g) rendered leaf lard OR additional butter
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or any light colored, mild vinegar)
9 ounces (255 g/ approximately 2 1/4 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour (chilled)
3 ounces (85 g/approximately 3/4 cup) stone-ground yellow cornmeal (chilled)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Prepare the butter and lard, if using. Cut the butter into 1/2-inch (12-mm) cubes (a bench scraper is perfect for this, but a sharp knife works well too), and cut the lard into small pieces. Return them to the fridge to cool.
  • In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the milk and vinegar. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to use.
  • On a clean flat surface or in a large shallow bowl, toss the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, sugar, and salt together lightly to blend. Add the butter and lard (if using) to the dry ingredients and, using the tool of your choice, cut the fat into the flour with speed and patience, until the fat has been reduced to small pea-sized chunks. Try to use a straight up-and-down motion, as the more you press on the flour the more tough gluten will develop. Avoid using your fingers, as the heat from your hands will melt the fat and further encourage gluten development. Unlike with pasta or bread, gluten is the enemy of pie dough, so be gentle, and be quick!
  • Once your fat has been cut down to size, spread your mixture out to expose as much surface area as possible. Gently drizzle about half of your milk mixture over the flour, trying to cover as wide an area as you can. Using bench scrapers or a large spoon, lightly toss the flour over the liquid, then spread everything out again, and repeat the process with the second half of the liquid.
  • You should now have a dough that will just hold together when pressed against the bowl, with visible little chunks of butter. If you need to add more liquid to bind it, do so with more cold milk, adding a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right texture. It's not an exact science, as everything from the humidity in the air to the dryness of your flour will affect the consistency of your dough.
  • Once you've reached your goal, cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. The dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week, well wrapped, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

CARAMELIZED PEAR TART WITH CORNMEAL CRUST



Caramelized Pear Tart with Cornmeal Crust image

Categories     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Pear     Cornmeal     Fall     Gourmet     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

For cornmeal dough
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter
4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
For caramelized pears
5 firm-ripe Anjou pears (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Make dough:
  • In a bowl whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Cut butter into 1/2-inch cubes and add to flour mixture. With your fingertips or a pastry blender blend in butter until most of mixture resembles coarse meal with remainder in small (roughly pea-size) lumps. Drizzle 4 tablespoons ice water evenly over mixture and gently stir with a fork until incorporated. Test mixture by gently squeezing a small handful: When it has proper texture it should hold together without crumbling apart. If necessary, add enough remaining water, 1 teaspoon at a time, stirring until incorporated and testing, to give mixture proper texture. (If you overwork mixture or add too much water, pastry will be tough.)
  • Turn mixture out onto a work surface and divide into 4 portions. With heel of hand smear each portion once in a forward motion to help distribute fat. Gather dough together and form it, rotating it on work surface, into a disk. Chill dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 1 hour, and up to 1 day.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Make caramelized pears:
  • Peel pears and halve lengthwise. Cut each half into 3 wedges and core. In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet melt butter over moderate heat and stir in sugar. Cook mixture, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is golden, about 6 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and let mixture stand until it begins to firm up, about 3 minutes. Arrange pears, rounded sides down, as close together as possible in 2 concentric circles in skillet.
  • On a lightly floured surface roll out dough into a 15-inch round (about 1/8 inch thick) and cut out an 11-inch round. Drape round over pears, tucking edge around pears, and with a fork prick dough in several places. Bake tart in middle of oven until pastry is golden and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool tart in skillet on a rack 15 minutes.
  • Invert a rimmed serving plate slightly larger than skillet over skillet and, wearing oven mitts and keeping plate firmly pressed against skillet, invert tart onto plate. Arrange any loose pears on tart and spoon sauce from plate onto tart. Serve tart warm or at room temperature.

CORNMEAL DOUGH



Cornmeal Dough image

Use this dough to make our Lemon-Chamomile Cream Pie.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-inch crust

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably medium-ground
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water

Steps:

  • Pulse flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a food processor to combine. Add butter, and process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. With the machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream until dough just begins to hold together (no longer than 30 seconds).
  • Shape dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of cornmeal. For a finer texture, use finely ground cornmeal. For a more rustic texture, use coarsely ground cornmeal.
  • Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they come together.
  • Chill the dough before using. Chilling the dough will make it easier to work with and will prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
  • Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking.
  • Use a pie pan with a removable bottom. This will make it easier to remove the tart from the pan.
  • Bake the tart in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that the crust is cooked evenly.
  • Let the tart cool before serving. This will allow the filling to set and the crust to firm up.

Conclusion:

Cornmeal tart dough is a versatile dough that can be used for a variety of sweet and savory tarts. It is a good source of fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a delicious and flaky cornmeal tart dough that will be the perfect base for your favorite fillings.

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