Sunday, March 29, 2009

Lemon Tart with a Blueberry Blanket

Lemon Tart with Blueberry ToppingI've recently just discovered tarts. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm not over the pie situation or anything it's just that I've decided that there might be room in my heart for another pastry-style dessert right there next to my beloved pumpkins, chocolate silks, cherries, apples and lemon meringues.

My mother gave me a coupon to a local housewares store for my birthday several years ago and I saw a fancy tart pan and thought, "Hmmm . . . I don't have a tart pan . . . maybe I should have a tart pan . . . having a tart pan would mean I could make tarts . . . I think I would really, really like tarts . . . "

So I plopped down my coupon and got this fancy schmancy pan, put it in my cupboard and there it sat. It wasn't until this past month when I remembered it, dug it out and decided that this was the month that I was going to reopen the possibility of a relationship.

The results were wonderfully pleasing. In fact I've made a couple tarts since then and what I like is that they're easier to make then a full-on pie because the pastry is easier to fit in the pan, there's no fitting the top crust or folding over and crimping, none of the stuff that just takes precious minutes away from the part I like best: having a finished pie ready to eat.

Long story less long here's my most recent tart love. Any basic lemon pudding will do--if you want to simply things use a refrigerated pie crust and a box of cook-and-serve lemon pudding that would be perfectly acceptable. And for the top, raspberry or strawberry or cherry would also be a good substitute. Not as good as blueberry but still really good. I hope the recipe I'm including for the blueberry topping makes the right amount, when I whipped this together I eyeballed it and it came out fine so I'm trying to be as exact as I can.

one refrigerated pie crust
whipping cream

For lemon filling:
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoons
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons butter
3 egg yolks

For topping:
2 cups blueberries
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Form pie crust into the greased tart pan. Prebake according to directions on the box and let it cool completely.

For the lemon filling combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a pan. Slowly stir in the cold water and lemon juice then while whisking add the boiling water. Gradually bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling remove from the heat and stir in the butter. In a separate bowl beat the egg yolks then add about 1/3 cup of the hot lemon filling to the egg yolks, beating to combine. Then add the entire lemon-egg mixture back to the pan and return to the heat and cook for about a minute longer until thickened.

Allow the mixture to cool a bit with a piece of plastic wrap over the top to prevent a skin from forming. Once it's cooled a bit pour it into the prepared tart crust.

In a smaller saucepan combine the ingredients for the blueberry topping, stirring thoroughly. Bring to a boil until thickened. Allow it to cool a bit before spooning it onto the top of the tart.

Serve with whipped cream on top.

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16 comments:

One Mom said...

Yum...that tart looks delicious! I'm all for pies with only a top crust or it's counterpoint, the tart with just a bottom crust...think of all the calories you're saving!

As for the threat that the lava will get you...you're one in a million or 10 that can use it so I say take advantage!!!

Twinsmom said...

We make an apple tart without the pan, just rolling out a Kroger pie pastry, adding the apples and spices and folding the crust over the fruit, then baking. My 14-year-old son will eat an entire one by himself in a day, so if anyone else wants a piece, we have to act fast.

Very cool picture of the lightning. I would have liked to use the lava threat myself this week. We were on spring break, I work at home and had no time off, and by Friday....grrrr..... But hey, it sounds like a good excuse to have a volcano party with chocolate lava cakes, a steaming volcano centerpiece made by the kids out of clay or paper mache, meat with gray-colored gravy for ash....you have a good creative imagination and could come up with lots of things, I'm sure! (just don't forget the chocolate lava cakes - those would be key! lol)

jean said...

Nothing is as good as a walnut tart. Yummy. I may try this one with strawberries. Thanks.

I've been watching the news about the volcano and boy, you guys get all the fun! (snicker)

jacjewelry said...

Glad you're safe and sound - although I imagine it's not fun being under house arrest!

The tart looks delicious!

Libby's Library said...

Oh my gosh that looks fantastic.
Stay inside and keep safe.

Margie said...

That reminds me, I have a tart pan I've never used either! Yours looks so good, I think I may have to dig my pan out.

I remember when Mt. St. Helens blew, no one kept us inside, we were out dancing in the falling ash. No side affects that I know of, I'm still around, still ok. Remember to save a lot of the ash for later projects though!

I can't find my blog said...

That picture is awesome!

Oh, and the tart sounds good, too!

Alison Kelley said...

What excitement you've had! No better excuse to stay home and bake. I hope it clears up quickly so you can go out.

I have a tart pan that I've only used a couple of times, hmm, maybe it's time to get it out. This would be a great recipe to make for my next Trunk Show.

Anji Gallanos said...

mmm yummm and you know..eating a piece of tart doesn't sound nearly as fattening as eating a piece of pie..good for you on bringing out your tart pan..looks like you've made something wonderful with it.

Michelle Glauser said...

Good luck with all the ash. And nice job with the tart.

corrie said...

That. looks. sooo. good.

Madeline said...

Yummy! I'm currently coveting tart pans. Your blog is dangerous to my wallet!

Kelli said...

You make me want to try tart making myself. I have baked a lot of things, but not tarts. So, as a complete tart-making novice, how hard is it to get that thing out of the pan without destroying the crust?

Amy said...

Yummy! I love tarts and actually prefer those over pies! That looks so delicious!

Unknown said...

oh yum. looks so good! i think i need a tart pan.

tiarastantrums said...

I love tarts!!! so many fruits to change the toppings!! I love the cream filling the most!!!!