Cherry Tart

Cherry Tart – A Flavorful and Refreshing Delight

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

The history of cherry tart intertwines with culinary traditions that date back centuries, being a popular choice in many cultures to celebrate the season of ripe fruits. This tart, with its crispy crust and creamy filling, becomes a symbol of summer, bringing an explosion of flavors and colors to our tables. Whether served at a party, a family meal, or simply as a treat, this recipe is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 300 g flour

For the cream:
- 250 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 35 g flour
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of powdered vanilla

For the filling:
- 500 g cherries (washed and pitted)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Optional:
- Whipped cream, berry topping, fresh mint, vanilla ice cream

Step by step for a perfect tart:

1. Preparing the crust: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the egg and continue mixing. Start incorporating the flour gradually until the dough is easy to shape. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Forming the tart: Dust a tart pan with flour, then evenly spread the dough with your fingers, ensuring it reaches the edges of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This process will help achieve a crispier crust.

3. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, whole egg, egg yolks, salt, and vanilla. Mix these ingredients well. Once the milk has started to boil, pour the previous mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring, until the cream thickens, then let it cool.

4. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and pour the cooled cream over it, distributing it evenly. Place the washed and pitted cherries on top of the cream, pressing them lightly to integrate into the filling.

5. Baking: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the crust turns golden. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.

6. Serving: Once the tart has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar. You can add whipped cream, berry topping, or fresh mint for a special look and taste. Vanilla ice cream is also a perfect accompaniment, adding a refreshing and creamy note.

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate it easily into the dough.
- If you want to experiment, you can use other fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, or raspberries, to vary the flavor of the tart.
- A small tart is an excellent option to serve as an individual dessert at parties or special events.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They help strengthen the immune system and can improve mood. Additionally, the combination of milk and eggs in the cream provides essential protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I use instead of cherries? You can replace cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to create a delicious tart.
- How can I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving to restore its crispy texture.
- Can I freeze the tart? It is recommended to freeze it before baking, and then bake it directly from the freezer.

This cherry tart is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. I invite you to enjoy every step of cooking and surprise your family and friends with this seasonal delight. Enjoy your meal!