Alsatian apple tart

Alsatian Apple Tart: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

The Alsatian apple tart is a recipe that blends tradition with simplicity, resulting in an elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion. This tart not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of family moments around the table. Preparing it is a true ritual that deserves to be savored step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g sifted flour (preferably type 550 for a finer texture)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 125 g soft butter (not melted, ideally left at room temperature for 30 minutes)
- 25 g powdered sugar (for a subtle sweetness)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 2-3 tablespoons of cold water (as needed to achieve an elastic dough)

For the filling:
- 600 g apples (choose flavorful apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden)
- 25 g sugar
- A little cinnamon (for a warm and comforting note)

For the cream:
- 2 eggs
- 75 g sugar
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml liquid cream
- Vanilla (a vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well with a spatula or your hands to combine the dry ingredients. Then, add the soft butter cut into cubes and start rubbing it with your fingers until you achieve a crumbly consistency.

2. Adding the egg: In the center of the flour mixture, make a well and add the egg. Using a fork, lightly beat the egg and gradually incorporate the surrounding flour.

3. Forming the dough: Add water little by little, and mix until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. Avoid over-kneading, as the dough may become dense.

4. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for 25-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky crust.

Preparing the Filling

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into quarters. Remove the seeds and lightly score the outer part of the apples with a knife. This step not only helps with aesthetics but also ensures even cooking of the apples. Drizzle them with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

Assembling the Tarts

6. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet and transfer it to a 24 cm tart pan. No need to grease the pan, as the dough will be sufficiently fatty.

7. Preparing the base: Use a fork to poke holes in the dough here and there, so it doesn’t puff up during baking. Sprinkle a little semolina on the bottom of the pan to absorb the moisture from the apples.

8. Adding the apples: Arrange the apple quarters evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 25 g of sugar and a little cinnamon on top to add a contrast of flavors.

Baking the Tarts

9. Initial baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the tart for 30 minutes. The apples will start to soften, and the dough will turn golden.

Preparing the Cream

10. Beating the ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs with 75 g of sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the milk, liquid cream, and vanilla, mixing gently to combine the ingredients.

Finalizing the Tarts

11. Adding the cream: After the 30 minutes of baking, remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for 1 minute. Then, pour the cream evenly over the baked apples.

12. Final baking: Put the tart back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cream sets and becomes slightly golden.

Serving the Tarts

13. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is ready, let it cool completely before slicing. Serve cold to enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Tartlet shells: If you want a crunchier tart, you can bake the dough without filling for a few minutes before adding the apples.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: You can add a hint of nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
- Mixed fruits: Instead of apples, experiment with pears or berries, adjusting the sugar quantities based on their sweetness.
- Serving with sauces: The Alsatian tart pairs wonderfully with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the apples. Apples are rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and contain antioxidants that promote heart health. Additionally, the butter in the dough provides healthy fats, while the cream adds a touch of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use any type of apples, but tart ones provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the tart.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for 3-4 days.

3. Can it be frozen?
The tart can be frozen, but it is recommended to freeze it before adding the cream. Thawing should be done in the refrigerator a day before serving.

4. What can I pair with the Alsatian tart?
This tart pairs perfectly with a sweet white wine or a fruit tea, as well as with a scoop of ice cream.

So, enjoy every step of preparing this Alsatian apple tart, letting yourself be carried away by its flavors and the memories it will bring. It is a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also creates unforgettable moments around the table. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: -250 g flour; -1 egg; -125 g butter; -25 g powdered sugar; -a pinch of salt; -about 2-3 teaspoons of water. Cream: -2 eggs; -75 g sugar; -100 ml milk; -100 ml liquid cream; -vanilla. You will also need about 600 g of apples, 25 g of sugar, and a little cinnamon.