Tender tart with plums and meringue - for Ionix....

Tender Plum Tart with Meringue - A Delicacy for Ionix

Today, I invite you to prepare together a tender plum tart with meringue, a special recipe dedicated to Ionix. This tart is not just an explosion of flavors, but also a symbol of love and friendship, with a beautiful story worth sharing. The story of this tart comes from a culinary tradition of combining seasonal fruits with a fluffy meringue, creating a dessert that perfectly blends textures and tastes.

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

Ingredients for the crust:
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g flour

Ingredients for the plum filling:
- 12 large, ripe, juicy plums
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Ingredients for the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Cinnamon (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and beat them with 3 tablespoons of sugar until you get a fine, light-colored foam. It is important to use fresh yolks, as they contribute to the light texture of the dough.

2. Adding the butter: Add the soft butter (at room temperature) to the yolk mixture and continue to beat until well combined. The texture should become creamy and airy.

3. Including the flavors: Add the lemon zest and juice, rum essence, and baking powder mixed with a little lemon juice. These ingredients not only provide a refined taste but also an inviting aroma.

4. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add 200 g of flour and knead a dough that is soft enough. It is important not to knead too much to avoid a dense crust. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough cools, wash the plums, remove the pits, and slice them thinly. Mix the plums with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, and the breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will help absorb the juices from the plums, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

6. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a thin sheet. Place the sheet of dough in a round baking pan (ideally a detachable one) greased with margarine. Spread the dough evenly, then prick it lightly with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Arrange the plum slices on top.

7. Baking the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will create a slightly crispy base that will support the delicious filling.

8. Preparing the meringue: In the meantime, start preparing the meringue. Beat the 3 egg whites until foamy. Then, gradually add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the vanilla sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm meringue that holds peaks.

9. Finalizing the tart: After 15 minutes of baking the tart, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue on top, smoothing it out evenly. Return the tart to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

10. Serving: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle cinnamon on top, to taste. Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious both warm and cold!

Useful tips:
- Make sure the plums are ripe, as they will add natural sweetness to the tart.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- You can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to vary the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart has interesting nutritional benefits, being rich in fiber due to the plums, which aid digestion. It also contains healthy fats from the butter, contributing to a balanced caloric intake. A serving of tart has approximately 250 calories, but the variability depends on the ingredients used.

Ideal pairings:
This plum tart with meringue pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, adding a touch of decadence. Additionally, a fruit tea or fresh lemonade would complement this dessert perfectly.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various fruits, such as apples, pears, or apricots, to create a unique tart.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is recommended to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy its perfect texture.

3. How do I know when the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it is firm to the touch and has a slightly golden hue.

I encourage you to try this emotionally rich and flavorful recipe dedicated to Ionix, and to create memorable moments with your loved ones. Each slice of tart tells a story, and today, our story is about love and tradition. Enjoy!