Cherry pie (tart)

Cherry Tart: The Delight of Summer in Every Slice

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors and textures! Today we will prepare a cherry tart, a recipe dear to me, inherited from my mother's recipe book. This dessert brings pleasant childhood memories when summer was marked by juicy, sweet-sour fruits, and each slice of tart was a little joy.

The cherry tart is not just a dessert, but a celebration of taste, perfect to be enjoyed in the company of loved ones, at a festive table, or simply as a personal indulgence. Let's start our culinary journey!

Ingredients:

- 650 g flour
- 225 g lard (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 225 g sugar
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 1 jar (about 420 g) pitted cherries, preferably preserved in their own juice
- grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Recipe history:

The cherry tart has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a dessert prepared by generations. It reflects the joy of using seasonal fruits, and cherries, with their intense flavor, provide a perfect contrast between sweet and sour. In many cultures, these desserts are associated with festive moments, bringing family and friends together.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cherries are well-drained; otherwise, the tart will be too wet. If using fresh cherries, you can wash and pit them.

2. Mixing the dough: In a large bowl, add the lard (or butter, if you choose this option) and the flour. Use a fork to mix the two ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. This step is essential as the lard must be well incorporated into the flour to obtain a flaky dough.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated. You will obtain a smooth dough that should not be sticky. If it happens to be too wet, you can add a little more flour.

4. Forming the dough: Divide the dough into two balls: one larger for the tart base and one smaller for the lattice on top. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to roll out and prevent it from deforming during baking.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has chilled, take the larger ball and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a sheet roughly the size of your baking pan. Place the sheet in the pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring you press it well on the bottom and edges.

6. Adding the cherries: Place the drained cherries on top of the dough in the pan and sprinkle a little flour over them. This step will help absorb excess moisture, preventing a soggy tart.

7. The lattice on top: Take the smaller ball of dough and roll it out. Use a knife or a special tool to cut thin strips, which you will arrange in a lattice pattern over the cherries. This detail not only adds a beautiful appearance but also allows moisture to evaporate during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the tart is golden and crispy. Here, you can enjoy the aromas wafting through the house!

9. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. When completely cool, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This detail adds an elegant touch!

10. Enjoying: The cherry tart can be served plain, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a contrast of temperatures and textures. Plated on an elegant dish, it will surely become the star of the table!

Practical tips:

- If you want to add a creative touch, you can try replacing the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or peaches. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a more aromatic flavor.
- The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, cut into portions, to enjoy whenever you crave a delicious dessert.
- This cherry tart has about 300 calories per serving but is full of antioxidants from the cherries, which help strengthen the immune system and improve cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using them.

2. What can I do if I don't have lard?
You can use butter instead of lard. The taste will be different, but just as delicious.

3. How can I tell when the tart is ready?
Check if the top dough has turned golden. You can also do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the tart is ready!

So, don't hesitate any longer! Put on your apron and bring this wonderful cherry tart recipe to life. Each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Enjoy!