Bartlett Pear Tart

Don’t you love to end a satisfying meal with a delicate and delicious dessert. It’s such a comfort to know one’s waiting for you in the kitchen. This week we’re featuring our BARTLETT PEAR TART. A crust that is mildly sweet with a touch of lemon cradle fresh bartlett pears that have been infused with white wine. You’ll find that the crust is similar to a pie crust and may find yourself asking what’s the difference between a pie and a tart?? Typically, the difference is that a pie is cut and served from the baking pan while a tart is unmolded from the pan before cutting and serving. 

When it comes to crafting the design of your crust, don’t worry about making it so precise. We love the rustic feel of a crust that you don’t need to be so fussy with. Like an Italian Crostata, but we’ll talk about those another day. Don’t misunderstand- We love a beautifully assembled pie or tart, but are more impressed by a well tasting dessert. I mean, think about it- You’re attracted to the aesthetic of the dessert, but the taste is what steals your heart. So, let’s get baking!

BARTLETT PEAR TART

~CRUST~

INGREDIENTS:

⭒1½ cups all-purpose flour

⭒2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

⭒lemon zest of half a lemon. (about 1 Tablespoon)

⭒8 Tablespoons (vegan) butter, cut into small cubes

⭒¼ teaspoon salt

⭒up to 6 Tablespoons cold water

⭒flour for dusting as needed

METHOD:

In a food processor, add 1½ cups flour, sugar, lemon zest. Pulse until combined. Add butter and salt. Pulse a few times to incorporate the butter through the flour mixture. A course meal may form. Add cold water 1 Tablespoon at a time while pulsing. When mixture becomes a ball of dough, stop adding water. Dough may be slightly sticky. Place and fold dough in parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about one hour. After the dough has firmed up. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about an 11 inch circle. Transfer the dough onto a 9 inch tart pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place back into the refrigerator until pear filling is ready.

~PEAR FILLING~

INGREDIENTS:

⭒3 slightly ripe bartlett pears

⭒¼ cup granulated sugar

⭒1 teaspoon ground cardamom

⭒1 Tablespoon (vegan) white wine

⭒2 Tablespoons flour

⭒1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

⭒extra sugar for garnish

METHOD:

⭒Preheat oven to 350°F 

⭒ In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together except the pears.

⭒Thinly slice the pears and add them to the sugar mixture. 

⭒Arrange pears in the doughed tart pan. 

⭒Bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, depending on your oven.

⭒When the crust is golden brown, remove from the oven. Let cool on a wire rack before carefully removing it from the pan onto the serving plate. Before cutting, sprinkle the top with extra granulated sugar.

⭒Enjoy!