Baked apple and lavender tart

Baked Apple and Lavender Tart: A Sweet-Aromatic Experience

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who can resist an apple tart, especially when it’s enriched with the delicate aroma of lavender? This recipe is not just a simple dessert; it’s an invitation to savor every moment spent in the kitchen, transforming fresh apples into a sweet and aromatic masterpiece. Inspired by a casual encounter, this recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering a refined and surprising alternative for dessert lovers.

Ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 4 fresh eggs
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 12 tablespoons of oil
- Approximately 300 g of flour
- A pinch of baking powder

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg of apples (choose sweet and fragrant varieties, such as Golden or Fuji apples)
- Sugar to taste (you can start with 100 g)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender (make sure it is edible)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil

*For the meringue:*
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g of sugar

Step by step for a perfect tart:

1. Preparing the apple filling:
Start by peeling the apples and removing the core. Cut them into thick slices, about 1 cm. These slices will become soft and juicy during baking, adding a pleasant texture to your tart. Place the apple slices in a bowl and add sugar and cinnamon. Gently mix to coat the apples with the delicious flavors.

2. Sautéing the apples:
In a pan, heat a little sunflower oil. Add the apple slices and cook them over medium heat, turning them occasionally to brown evenly. When the apples become soft, sprinkle dried lavender on top, mix gently, and cover the pan with a lid. Turn off the heat and let the apples infuse with the lavender aroma for a few minutes.

3. Preparing the crust:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a frothy and light-colored mixture. Gradually add the oil, continuing to mix to achieve a smooth emulsion. Then, incorporate the flour, added gradually, along with the baking powder. Gently mix until you obtain a fluid composition, similar to sponge cake batter.

4. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Grease a round 26 cm springform pan or a 23x34 cm square baking dish with butter. Pour the crust mixture into the pan, ensuring it spreads evenly. Then, arrange the sautéed apple slices on top, beautifully arranged to create an attractive appearance.

5. Baking:
Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the crust turns golden and firm to the touch. Five minutes before removing it, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with the sugar at high speed until you achieve a firm and glossy foam.

6. Finalizing:
Spread the meringue evenly over the apples, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Leave the tart in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the meringue becomes slightly golden. Turn off the oven, and the tart can remain inside to cool slowly, which will help maintain the texture of the meringue.

7. Serving:
Allow the tart to cool completely before removing it from the pan. You can serve this delicacy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delicious contrast. Add a sprinkle of fresh lavender for an elegant decoration and a touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- Make sure to use quality apples, as they will influence the final taste of the tart.
- Lavender adds a unique element, but use it sparingly, as its aroma is quite strong.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- The tart can be enjoyed warm, but also cold; the next day it is even better as the flavors have time to blend.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, while lavender has calming properties and can help reduce stress. This tart is not just a delicious dessert but also a healthier option compared to many other processed sweets.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or plums, but the baking time may vary.

- How can I store the tart?
It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

- Is it possible to freeze the tart?
Although the tart is best fresh, you can freeze individual portions. Make sure to cover it well to prevent excessive freezing.

In conclusion, this baked apple and lavender tart is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also an unforgettable experience in the kitchen. So let’s enjoy every slice and create sweet memories with our loved ones!