Grandma Monettes Cherry Jam Tart Food

JAM TART WITH SALTED CRACKER CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Pulse the crackers in a food processor until very finely ground. Add the butter and sugar and pulse until thoroughly combined. Remove a rounded tablespoon of the crumb mixture and set aside.
• Turn the mixture out into a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom set on a cookie sheet and press evenly along the bottom and up the sides. Bake until light golden, about 15 minutes. Lightly press down on the crust if it has puffed up on the bottom.
• Spoon the preserves into the tart shell and gently smooth to spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top. Bake until the jam is a shade darker and the edges are bubbling slightly, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
• Serve at room temperature with whipped cream, if using.

CHERRY TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C
• For the pastry: Put the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter pieces, and pinch with the fingers to create a crumb texture. Make a well in the middle, and add the eggs. Quickly work in the flour mixture to create dough. Do not over-mix. Pat into a disk and refrigerate 15 minutes before rolling out. Fit into a 9-inch tart pan.
• For the filling: Arrange the cherries in the crust. Beat the eggs with the sugar, and then stir in the creme fraiche and vanilla. Pour the custard over the cherries. Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Cool before serving.

CHERRY JUNIPER JAM

Steps:

• Combine the dried cherries, 2/3 cup water, vinegar, wine, sugar and salt into a pot. Place the peppercorns, juniper berries and bay leaf into a coffee filter. Using butcher's string, tie the coffee filter up so that the spices will not fall out. Now place the filter in the pot with the rest of the ingredients. Put the pot on the stove and turn the burner on high. Once it begins to boil, turn the burner to low and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir the jam every couple of minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes and put in a blender. Blend until smooth. This goes really well with game meat and poultry.