Braided tart

The braided tart is an elegant dessert, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home. This simple recipe combines the crunchy texture of the dough with the sweet filling, offering a perfect balance of flavors. The total preparation time is about 1 hour, and this recipe is sufficient for 8 delicious servings.

Ingredients:
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 300 g flour
- 1 egg
- 150 g jam or fruit compote (preferably cherry or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Step 1: Preparing the butter
Start by melting the butter in a bain-marie. This delicate process ensures even melting without the risk of burning the butter. Once melted, add the salt and sugar and mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Sifting the flour is an essential step in achieving a fine texture for the dough. After sifting the flour, gradually incorporate it into the melted butter mixture, stirring constantly. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Use a spatula or hand mixer to facilitate this process. When the dough starts to come together, add the egg and knead gently until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Do not over-knead, as over-kneaded dough becomes tough.

Step 3: Chilling the dough
Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a slightly crunchy texture in the end.

Step 4: Preheating the oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even baking and a perfectly browned crust.

Step 5: Forming the tart
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 3 mm thick. Transfer the sheet to the tart pan, being careful to keep the edges even. Trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to make small holes in the bottom of the tart to prevent puffing during baking.

Step 6: Filling the tart
Spread the jam or fruit compote over the bottom of the tart. This filling not only adds flavor but also enriches the texture, providing a delicious contrast to the crunchy dough.

Step 7: Braiding the dough
Using the leftover dough, form thin strips and braid them over the tart to create an attractive pattern. This is the creative part of the recipe! Make sure to leave small gaps between the strips so the filling is visible.

Step 8: Baking the tart
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

Step 9: Serving
For an elegant finish, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cooled tart. The braided tart is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Personalized variant:
Instead of jam, you can experiment with a filling of fresh fruits, such as caramelized apples or pears, for a unique taste and aroma. These add a touch of freshness and an interesting contrast to the crunchy dough.

Useful tips:
- Choose a quality jam or make your own for an authentic taste.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you want to enrich the filling, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

Enjoy this braided tart recipe that brings an unforgettable treat in every slice!