Secular Harmony Tart
The "Secular Harmony Tart" is a delightful dessert created in celebration of National Secularism Day, uniting diverse flavors in a sweet symphony. This tart features a crisp crust, luscious pastry cream, and a medley of seasonal fruits, symbolizing the beauty of unity in diversity.
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and diced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Sliced peaches
- Kiwi (peeled and sliced)
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
1- In a food processor, pulse flour, cold butter, sugar, and salt until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2- Add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
3- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4- Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Trim excess dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- 2. Blind Bake the Crust:
1- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2- Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
3- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden. Allow to cool.
- 3. Prepare the Vanilla Pastry Cream:
1- In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming but not boiling.
2- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch.
3- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
4- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
5- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool.
- 4. Assemble the Tart:
1- Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly over the tart crust.
2- Arrange the seasonal fruits on top in a decorative pattern.
- 5. Chill and Garnish:
1- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to set.
2- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- 6. Serve and Savor:
Slice and serve the Secular Harmony Tart, celebrating the union of diverse flavors in every delectable bite.