There are times when Mom’s Apple Pie is the absolute best choice. Thanksgiving, of course, comes to mind.
The depth of flavor she achieved with a few ingredients is one of the most comforting culinary memories of my childhood.
But there are other times – even around the holidays – when I crave something brighter, lighter.
That is when I make a French Apple Tart. This recipe is based on Ina Garten’s and is a go-to for me. It has that miraculous French combination of country simplicity and effortless elegance.
One thing you need to know about me and apples; I despise all of the “Delicious” apples. Talk about a misnomer! For this tart, I used organic, farm-grown Gala apples from my friends at Larry’s Veggies.
If you are concerned about the caloric intake from this lovely apple tart, I believe that tarts and calories should never be mentioned in the same sentence. With one exception: James Beard once said, “A gourmet who thinks about calories, is like a tart who looks at her watch.”
Enjoy! ~ David
French Apple Tart
2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup ice water
5 medium tart-sweet and crisp apples (not Granny Smith)
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup apricot jam, pressed through a sieve
2 tablespoons Cognac
Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse once. Distribute the butter and pulse 10 times. With the motor running, add the ice water then pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Remove and place on a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Don’t use foil, as the melted sugars will cause the tart to stick. It will still stick to the parchment in places but will be easier to remove.
Roll the dough into a 10 by 14-inches rectangle. If it isn’t perfect, you can trim it, but rough edges give it a rustic look. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you peel and slice the apples.
Peel the apples and cut them in half from top to bottom. Remove the stems and cores with a sharp knife and a melon baller. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices; hold end pieces aside for filling gaps or narrow ends. Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices. Sprinkle evenly the 1/2 cup of sugar. Cut the remaining 4 tablespoons chilled butter into 1/4-inch dice and dot sprinkle over the tart.
Bake for 45 minutes, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. The sweetened apple juices may burn in the pan but the tart will be fine! Just before the tart comes out of the oven, heat the apricot jam together with the Cognac and as soon as the tart comes out of the oven, brush it generously over the apples, being careful not to brush the pastry. Loosen the edges of the tart with a spatula and transfer to a board. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serves 6-8.
Labels: apple, dessert, french, french apple tart
