I don't know about y'all, but when it comes to desserts, pies and tarts are definitely among my top favorites - if I could get my dad's key lime pie for every birthday for the rest of my life, rather than a cake, I'd be a happy girl. That being said, it's only natural that a tart recipe would be the first in my tribute to the lovely pear. I've gotta say that this was the first time I'd made a tart from scratch, and it turned out much better than I'd expected. This recipe is designed to be very easy to make; honestly, the hardest part is waiting for the dough to set-up, but the results are definitely worth it!! I hope you enjoy this recipe, and let me know what other types of recipes you'd like to see me post.
Sweet Tart Crust
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
8 tbsp cold butter, cubed
1 egg
1 cup ice water
1.) Sift the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) into a large mixing bowl.
2.) Using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the butter becomes pea sized or a little smaller. I suggest using a fork for this, because the heat from your hands can melt the butter (making a huge mess), and a pastry cutter doesn't necessarily need to be bought.
3.) Add the egg and water to the dough, and mix until it becomes too hard for you to stir; form the dough into a flat disk, and cover with plastic wrap.
4.) Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, or freeze the dough for 10 minutes. Either way, make sure that the dough has time to set up.
5.) Flour a flat surface, then roll the dough out until it's about 1/8 inch thick; cut out rounds with a 2 inch cookie cutter. You are now ready to assemble the tarts.
1 or 2 cans of sliced pears
Honey or apricot preserves (optional)
1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2.) Drain the pears thoroughly, then arrange them on the dough rounds any way that you'd like. Make sure to leave the edges of the dough free, then fold the dough up over the pears and press down to seal it.
3.) Place the tarts on a floured or greased baking sheet, then bake for 45 minutes or until the dough has turned golden brown.
4.) Warm the honey or preserves, then use a pastry brush (or drizzle) the topping onto the tarts, then serve once they've cooled somewhat.
Remember: live life and eat well!
