SHAKER LEMON TART
This uncomplicated lemon pie is a variation of one attributed to the Shakers, a religious community best known for their simple living philosophy and exquisitely designed furniture. It is said that Shaker cooks waste nothing, and if that is true, this tart is a perfect example of that ethos. The entire lemon (minus the seeds) is used - sliced thinly and macerated with plenty of sugar overnight - then baked with eggs and melted butter in a soft, flaky pastry. The end result is delicately-flavored and bright without the lip-puckering quality of most lemon desserts. (This recipe calls for Meyer lemons, which are milder than standard lemons, but the traditional variety will do - the thinner-skinned the better.)
Provided by Christine Muhlke
Categories pies and tarts, dessert
Time 3h
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- The day before serving, prepare the filling. Wash and dry the lemons. Freeze them for 10 minutes and then slice them as finely as you can using a mandoline, meat slicer or very sharp knife. As you slice, pull out and discard any seeds. Place the lemons in a mixing bowl and toss with the sugar. Cover with a dish towel and set on the counter overnight.
- The next day, prepare the pastry: combine the flour, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work half of the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse meal. Quickly work the remaining butter into the dough until the biggest pieces are the size of lima beans. Drizzle in the water in several additions, tossing and mixing between each. (It should look rather ropy and rough.) Stop adding water when a few bits of dry flour remain in the bottom of the bowl; do not overwork the dough or it will become tough. Gather the dough into 2 balls and wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, then flatten into disks. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Unwrap a disk of dough, place between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll into a 9-inch circle, 1/8-inch thick. Trim the excess dough. Lay it on a cookie sheet, cover and refrigerate. Roll the second disk into an 11-inch circle, 1/8-inch thick. Trim the excess dough. Gently place the larger circle in a 9-inch tart pan, letting the excess dough rise up the sides (do not trim). Cover and refrigerate until needed.
- Using your hands, mix the eggs, flour and butter into the lemon-sugar mixture, squeezing the lemons as you mix. Pour the mixture into the dough-lined tart pan to just below the pan's rim. Using the point of a paring knife, carve 4 to 6 holes in the crust of the small dough circle. Lay it on top of the filling. Roughly fold the edges of the bottom crust over the top circle. Brush with milk. Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes more. Cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 495, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 194 milligrams, Sugar 36 grams, TransFat 1 gram
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Mr Riaz
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of lemon tarts, but this one was pretty good.
Sorof Hasan
[email protected]This tart was a bit too sweet for my taste, but my friends loved it.
Claude Pyp
[email protected]I had some trouble getting the crust to come together, but the tart turned out great in the end.
vayo cheyech
[email protected]The filling of this tart is a bit too tart for my taste, but the crust is very good.
Applerock Applerock
[email protected]This lemon tart is easy to make and it tastes delicious. I will definitely be making it again.
Selena Case
[email protected]I've made this tart several times and it always turns out perfect. It's a great recipe for a special occasion.
Kairi Middlehurst
[email protected]I made this tart for a bake sale and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it.
Andrew Fordell
[email protected]This is the best lemon tart I've ever had! The filling is perfectly tart and the crust is flaky and buttery. I highly recommend this recipe.
Loki Lucky
[email protected]I love the combination of sweet and tart in this lemon tart. The crust is also very good.
Dora Dira
[email protected]This lemon tart was a hit at my dinner party! The filling was creamy and tart, and the crust was flaky and buttery. I will definitely be making this again.