The Golden Harvest Tart is a testament to the bountiful harvest, a symphony of autumnal flavors that dance on the palate. It’s a culmination of culinary traditions from around the globe, a harmonious blend of the familiar and the exotic.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg, beaten
For the Crumble Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Best Fall Desserts for a Cozy Baking Season
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Preparation Process:
1. Make the Pastry:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Tart:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
Pour the cooled cranberry filling into the crust.
Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips.
Weave the strips over the filling to create a lattice top.
Brush the crust and lattice with the beaten egg.
5. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Bake the Tart:
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the lattice.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the tart cool completely before slicing and serving.
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Serving Ideas:
Serve the Golden Harvest Tart warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Cultural Influences:
The Golden Harvest Tart is a fusion of flavors and techniques from various culinary traditions. The pastry is inspired by classic French pastry-making, while the filling draws inspiration from American and European cranberry recipes. The crumble topping is a nod to British desserts, and the overall presentation is reminiscent of rustic European tarts.
This dessert is a celebration of the autumn harvest, a time of abundance and gratitude. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultures and the power of food to bring people together.
