Thursday, July 17, 2008

Fabulous Summer Berry Fruit Tart

Would you believe that this not-so-daring baker pulled off such a pretty fruit tart?! Any of you 'regulars' know that I do not usually do baked goods, but when my high school girlfriends were visiting last week, I decided we needed a summery dessert. And berries were on special for a really good price, so how could I resist?

The beauty of this tart is that the crust is made in the food processor, and then simply patted into the tart pan. No rolling needed, which of course is right up my alley! It couldn't be any easier.

I've done this before with bananas, kiwi, mangoes...anything you have on hand would work. There's also a glaze, but I've never bothered with it -- it would have added a pretty shine I guess; maybe next time I'll give the glaze a shot.

FRUIT TART
Serves: 10-12
Source: An Occasion to Gather, Milwaukee Entertains by the Junior League of Milwaukee

3/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 c. flour

10 oz. white chocolate chips or vanilla chips
1/4 c. heavy cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced kiwifruit, sliced peaches, blackberries

1/4 c. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 c. pineapple juice
1/2 t. lemon juice

For the pastry, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar in a bowl until blended. Add the flour and beat until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally. Press the pastry over the bottom and up the side of a 12-inch tart pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until light brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

For the filling, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes and stir. Add the cream cheese and beat until blended. Spoon the filling over the baked layer.

For the topping, arrange the desired fruit in a decorative pattern over the top of the filling.

For the glaze, combine the sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan and mix well. Stir in the pineapple juice and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Drizzle the glaze all over the fruit to prevent browning. Chill, covered, in the refrigerator.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fabulous is right!! That looks so beautiful as well as delicious!

Peter M said...

Leah, it's most pretty...simple desserts like this for summer are where it's at.

Leslie said...

Beautiful Tart! I need to tackle the tart one day!
Thanks sooo much for the sweet comment on my blog! I just love visitors..and come back anytime!!

Jan said...

That looks spectacular! Great job. I'm not big in the dessert department myself, but I really must try this.

Pamela said...

It looks beautiful, and I'm sure it was enjoyed by everyone! Nice job.

Prudy said...

Leah-you super hero-that's gorgeous! Your family has been eating sooo well this week. Tell them to kiss the cook.

Jenny said...

Wow, that is the prettiest berry tart I've seen. So summery!

Georgina Ingham | CulinaryTravels said...

That looks so beautiful as well as really tasty :)

Stephanie said...

That looks so beautiful! So fresh and fruity and delicious - yummm!