Cherry pie

Cherry Tart - A Summer Delight

The cherry tart is a classic dessert that brings together the sweetness and acidity of fresh fruits, with a base of flaky pastry and a creamy filling. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or simply a quiet evening at home. Moreover, cherries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Let's see how we can prepare this wonderful tart!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 100 g flour
- 20 g starch
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 3 g sugar
- 70 g melted butter

For the filling:
- 1 small glass of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 2 eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 30 g starch
- 500 g cheese (250 g cottage cheese and 250 g cream cheese)
- 60 g melted butter
- 500 g fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Pastry
We start by mixing the flour with the baking powder and starch in a large bowl. This mixture will contribute to the flaky texture of our pastry. We add the egg, sugar, and melted butter, then begin to incorporate the ingredients by hand until we obtain a homogeneous and quite flaky dough. It is important not to knead the dough too much, as it may develop gluten, which could lead to a tougher crust.

2. Resting the Dough
After obtaining the dough, we wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is essential as it allows the dough to cool and become easier to handle.

3. Preparing the Filling
While the dough cools, we focus on the filling. In a bowl, we mix the melted butter with the sugar, extracts, orange zest, egg yolks, starch, and cheese. I use a spoon or even my hands to mix, as I like the filling's texture to be a little more rustic. If you prefer a smoother filling, you can use a mixer, but be careful not to turn it into a paste.

4. Beating the Egg Whites
Separately, we beat the egg whites with lemon juice and a pinch of salt until they form peaks. This step will add volume and airiness to the filling. Once the egg whites are well beaten, we gently fold them into the cheese mixture, mixing carefully from the bottom up to maintain the fluffy texture.

5. Preparing the Cherries
If you are using fresh cherries, wash them well and remove the pits. Place the cherries in a bowl and add 1 glass of sugar, letting them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juice, after which you drain them well.

6. Forming the Tart
After the dough has chilled, we take out 1/4 of it and roll out the rest in a tart pan lined with parchment paper. Using a cake cutter, we cut out a circle from the rolled dough and place it in the pan. From the reserved dough, we form a strip that we place around the edge of the tart, pressing with our fingers to secure it.

7. Assembling the Filling
We pour the cheese mixture into the crust and arrange the drained cherries on top. This step is crucial as the cherries will add a note of freshness and acidity that will perfectly contrast the sweetness of the filling.

8. Baking
We preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). We bake the tart for 1 hour and 20 minutes. After 40-50 minutes, we brush the tart with a beaten egg yolk to give it a golden and appetizing appearance. It is important to respect the baking time, as overbaking can lead to a burnt crust.

9. Cooling and Serving
After the tart is baked, we let it cool completely before serving. It is ideal to leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours to set the filling. Serve the tart cold, with the syrup from the drained cherries on top - a combination of flavors that will delight your senses!

Practical Tips
- Choosing Cherries: If you choose frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before use to avoid excess water in the tart.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the tart with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a texture contrast that will make the dessert even more delicious.

Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cottage cheese is a good source of protein, and butter adds healthy fats. In total, a serving of cherry tart contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of cherries? Absolutely! Apples, pears, or peaches are excellent in this recipe.
- What type of cheese should I use? Cottage cheese and cream cheese provide a wonderful texture, but you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor.
- How can I store the tart? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

Conclusion
The cherry tart is a dessert that combines tradition with freshness, quickly becoming everyone's favorite. With this simple recipe, you can bring a touch of summer to every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy!