Country Pear Tart

Country Pear Tart Recipe from France with Dried Cherries and Brandy

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Country Pear Tart is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines sweet pears with tart cherries in a flaky, buttery pastry crust. This recipe is perfect for showcasing the flavors of fall and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

The Country Pear Tart recipe has its roots in traditional European baking techniques, where fruit tarts were a popular dessert choice. Pears have long been a staple in European cuisine, and their sweet, juicy flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery pastry crust in this recipe.

Ingredients

Country Pear Tart

0.33 cup dried cherries
3 tbsp brandy
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cup pears
1 tsp lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla
all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sliced almonds
fat-free milk

Browned Butter Pastry

2 tbsp butter
1.25 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp shortening
4 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

Country Pear Tart

In a small saucepan, combine dried cherries and brandy or apple juice.
Heat over low heat just until the liquid is hot but not boiling; set aside to cool and plump the cherries.
In a large bowl, stir together 2 tbsp of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
Gently stir in pears, cherries, and any remaining soaking liquid, lemon peel, and vanilla.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Line a large baking sheet with foil and sprinkle it lightly with flour.
Place the browned butter pastry on the baking sheet and roll it from the center to the edges, forming a circle about 13 inches in diameter.
Transfer the pear mixture to the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
Fold the border up over the pear mixture, pleating the pastry as necessary to fit.
Sprinkle the center with sliced almonds.
Brush the top and sides of the crust with milk.
If desired, sprinkle it lightly with additional granulated or coarse sugar.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Serve warm or cooled.

Browned Butter Pastry

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat until it turns light brown; set it aside to cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1.25 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 0.25 tsp of salt.
Using a pastry blender, cut in 2 tbsp of shortening and the browned butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of cold water over part of the mixture and toss it gently with a fork.
Push the moistened dough to the side of the bowl.
Repeat moistening the flour mixture, using 1 tbsp of cold water at a time, until all of the flour-shortening mixture is moistened (4 to 5 tbsp of cold water in total).
Form the dough into a ball.

Variations

Substitute apples for pears for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pear mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Top the tart with a crumb topping made from oats, flour, and brown sugar for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, but firm pears for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

- Plumping the dried cherries in brandy or apple juice adds a depth of flavor to the tart.

- Brushing the crust with milk before baking helps to achieve a golden brown color and a crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions

Country Pear Tart is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the pastry dough on a floured surface helps prevent sticking and ensures an even thickness.

- Pleating the pastry crust around the edges of the tart creates a rustic, homemade look.

- Brushing the crust with milk before baking helps to achieve a golden brown color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use apple juice instead of brandy for a non-alcoholic version of the recipe.

- Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free crust.

- Swap out the sliced almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The Country Pear Tart can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply brush the crust with milk and sprinkle with almonds just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Country Pear Tart on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Country Pear Tart with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. For a special occasion, serve with a glass of dessert wine or champagne.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Country Pear Tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 9g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 6% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Iron: 4% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, dairy, tree nuts

Summary

Country Pear Tart is a moderate calorie dessert option that provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats. It also contains some essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded treat.

Summary

Country Pear Tart is a classic dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of pears and the richness of a buttery pastry crust. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this tart on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Country Pear Tart. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised me a special treat that afternoon.

As I walked into Martha's cozy kitchen, the scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said, pulling out a worn recipe card from her collection. "It's a Country Pear Tart that I learned from my grandmother many years ago."

Martha began to gather the ingredients - ripe pears, sugar, butter, flour, and a hint of cinnamon. As she peeled and sliced the pears, she shared stories of her grandmother's farmhouse kitchen and the memories of baking together as a young girl. I listened intently, eager to learn the secrets of this beloved family recipe.

The tart came together quickly, with Martha expertly rolling out the flaky pastry crust and arranging the sliced pears in a beautiful pattern. She sprinkled a generous amount of sugar and cinnamon over the top, then popped it into the oven to bake.

As the tart baked, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When Martha finally pulled the golden brown tart out of the oven, my senses were overwhelmed with the warm, comforting scent of baked pears and cinnamon.

We let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The crust was perfectly flaky, and the pears were tender and sweet. Each bite was a delicious combination of flavors, reminiscent of a cozy afternoon in the countryside.

After enjoying a slice (or two) of the Country Pear Tart, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself. Martha graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to add it to my collection of cherished recipes.

Over the years, I have made the Country Pear Tart countless times, each time perfecting the art of rolling out the pastry crust and arranging the pears just so. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this beloved dessert from generation to generation.

Every time I make the Country Pear Tart, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, where I first discovered the joy of baking and the power of a shared recipe. The memories of learning to make this tart with my dear friend will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe that has brought so much joy to my loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of Country Pear Tart, I am reminded of the simple pleasures in life - good food, good friends, and the timeless tradition of sharing recipes with those we hold dear. And for that, I am truly grateful.