Cherry and Walnut Tart

Cherry and walnut tart is one of those desserts that not only delights the taste buds but also evokes pleasant childhood memories when every Sunday meal was an opportunity to enjoy treats made with love. This dish is ideal for bringing a touch of joy to any day, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family meal. Get ready to discover how to create a delicacy with a crunchy texture, juicy filling, and enticing aromas of cherries and walnuts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 220 g margarine (such as Rama)
- 7 tablespoons sugar (plus powdered sugar for decoration)
- 3 egg yolks
- 11-12 tablespoons flour (heaping)
- 100 g roasted walnuts
- 1 jar pitted cherries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 10 drops lemon essence
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add 220 g of margarine and 7 tablespoons of sugar. Using a spatula or mixer, mix well until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous. It is important to take your time with this step to achieve a uniform texture.

2. Adding the yolks: Add the 3 egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step will help emulsify the ingredients, giving the dough a fine consistency.

3. Incorporating flavors: Quickly add the grated lemon zest and lemon essence. These will give your tart a fresh and invigorating taste.

4. Incorporating the flour: Add the flour, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing with a spatula or by hand until a crumbly dough forms. Do not overmix, as the dough should not become elastic but remain slightly crumbly.

5. Forming the dough: From the obtained dough, form two balls: one larger for the tart base and one smaller for the topping. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step will help the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.

6. Preparing the cherries: Remove the cherries from the jar and let them drain in a colander. This is an essential step to avoid moistening the tart.

7. Rolling out the dough: After an hour, take the larger ball of dough out of the refrigerator. Roll it out on a floured surface with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm.

8. Assembling the tart: Grease a tart pan with margarine and dust it with flour. Place the rolled-out dough in the pan, making sure to fit it to the shape. Evenly sprinkle the ground roasted walnuts on the bottom of the tart, then add the drained cherries.

9. The topping: Take the smaller ball of dough out of the refrigerator and grate it over the cherries using a large-holed grater. This step will create a crunchy and pleasant texture on top.

10. Brushing: Beat an egg in a small bowl and use a brush to evenly coat the surface of the tart. This step will not only give a golden and appetizing color but will also help to keep the topping in place.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until it becomes golden and nicely browned on top.

12. Cooling: Once the tart is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan. After it has completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Chef's tip: If you want to add a special touch, you can incorporate a few drops of vanilla essence into the dough or replace the walnuts with roasted almonds. Also, the cherry and walnut tart pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. This tart is not only delicious but also a healthier choice when it comes to sweets!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred ones?
- Sure, but make sure to pit them and let them drain well to avoid excess moisture.
2. What can I do with leftover dough?
- You can make cookies from the leftover dough, which you can bake separately.
3. Is this tart suitable for vegans?
- You can adapt the recipe using vegan margarine and replacing the eggs with a mixture of water and flax seeds (1 tablespoon of ground seeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).

I hope this cherry and walnut tart recipe brings a smile to your face and turns any occasion into an unforgettable moment. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 3 egg yolks, 1 Rama margarine (250g), 11-12 tablespoons flour (heaped), 7 tablespoons sugar, 100g roasted walnuts, 1 jar pitted sour cherries, lemon zest, lemon essence, salt, 1 egg

 Tags:  cake sour cherries nut