I love you like a fat kid loves cake...

A crust eaten in peace is better that a banquet partaken in anxiety. 

 -Aesop

This is a rather abbreviated post, as the tart below conveys it's own beauty. I have formerly posted pastry cream, but maintaining it's deliciousness I concluded it was deserving of a second. This is a contrasting variation of berries to provide you some new ideas. I served this tart after a meze feast, it was a satisfying bright treat late in the evening. I assure when you present this tart your guests will depart with warm hearts.

Berry Tart with Pastry Cream

5 egg yolks, room temperature

3/4 C sugar

3 T cornstarch

1 1/2 C scalded milk

1/2 t pure vanilla extract

1 T unsalted butter

1 T heavy cream

Pate Brisee (recipe on post titled: You may ask yourself how did I get here? 2.21.12)

fruit for topping (any kind you like)

3 T apricot or orange marmalade (for glazing)

Bake Pate Brisee according to instructions, make sure edges become browned as you will not be baking this tart once it is filled. Set aside to cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks and sugar on medium-high speed for 4 minutes, or until very thick. Reduce to low speed, and add the cornstarch.

With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture.

Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens, 5 to 7 minutes. Don't be alarmed when the custard comes to a boil and appears to curdle; switch to a whisk and beat vigorously. Cook, whisking constantly, for another 2 minutes; the custard will come together and become very thick, like pudding. Stir in the vanilla, butter, and heavy cream. Pour pastry cream into tart shell, or place plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until cool.

Fill pastry shell with custard. Arrange fruit on top. Heat marmalade over medium low heat until runny. Brush warm marmalade over fruit and edges of tart. Refrigerate before serving.

Until tomorrow...Peace.