Savory Strawberry Tart Food

SAVORY STRAWBERRY TART

Steps:

• For the tart crust: Put the flour, sugar and salt and butter in a food processor and pulse until the chunks of butter are broken down to the size of peas and the flour feels like wet sand. You can also combine quickly using your fingertips. Add 1/4 cup of the ice water and pulse until the dough comes together easily. If it immediately separates into clumps, add 2 tablespoons of the remaining water at a time. You can always add more water but not more flour, so be careful not to add too much!
• Divide the dough into 2 balls and set them on top of 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Loosely wrap up each ball and press down to flatten into a 1-inch-thick disk.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using (see Cook's Note).
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Roll out 1 dough disk (see Cook's Note) on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick and lay over a 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, careful not to stretch or rip it (you can patch holes with excess dough). Prick the dough with a fork, cover the pan with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Remove the beans or weights and the parchment, and finish baking until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Set the tart shell aside to cool completely.
• For the filling: Whip the crème fraîche, goat cheese, salt and pepper together in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and light. Spread into the cooled tart crust and top with the strawberries around the edges. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with the chives. This tart is best the same day it's made.

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY TART

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Lay 1 sheet of the pie dough on the floured surface. Lightly brush the dough with water, then place the second sheet of dough directly on top. Roll the double layer of dough into a 12-inch round. Fit into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing into the bottom and trimming any excess at the top of the pan. Use a fork to gently prick holes all over the bottom of the crust. Line the crust with aluminum foil and fill it with dried beans, uncooked rice or pie weights. Bake until the edges brown slightly, about 20 minutes; remove the foil and continue to bake until the crust is golden brown all over, about 20 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack while making the filling.
• Heat the cream, milk and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a simmer and the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the chocolate and let stand 5 minutes. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to stir in the egg.
• Spread the jam over the bottom of the tart. Pour the chocolate mixture over the jam and bake until the filling is slightly jiggly in the center, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cold. Top with sliced strawberries.

STRAWBERRY TART

Steps:

• Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth, but not fluffy. Mix in the egg until combined, then add the flour. Bring together with your hands to form a dough. Wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
• Dust a surface with flour and roll out the pastry to a 26cm circle (or 3cm bigger than your tin). Line a 23cm fluted tart tin with the pastry, leaving an overhang. Prick the base with a fork to stop any air bubbles forming. Chill for 30 mins.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line the pastry case with a scrunched up sheet of baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the parchment and beans and bake for 15-20 mins more until crisp and golden. Leave in the tin to cool.
• To make the crème pâtissière, heat the milk, cream and vanilla in a pan over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring up to a simmer. Meanwhile, whisk the yolks and sugar in a bowl for 3 mins until pale, then stir in the cornflour until combined. Pour a quarter of the hot cream over the egg mix, whisking continuously, then pour the warm egg mix into the pan with the rest of the cream. Stir over a low-medium heat for 5-8 mins until the crème pâtissière thickens. Transfer to a large bowl and cool for 15 mins, whisking occasionally. Gradually whisk in the butter until smooth, cover and put in the fridge until needed.
• Beat the strawberry jam to loosen it, then spread over the bottom of the pastry case. Put the crème pâtissière into a piping bag and pipe in a spiral on top of the jam. Arrange the strawberries on top in a pattern. Heat the apricot jam in a small pan with 1 tbsp water until warm. Whisk to loosen the jam, then leave to cool slightly. Brush over the top of the strawberries.

STRAWBERRY, FETA & THYME TART

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6, and put a baking sheet in the oven to warm up.
• Mash the crème fraîche, thyme, feta, garlic, lemon, chilli and some seasoning in a bowl with a fork until fairly smooth.
• Unravel the pastry onto a piece of baking parchment and score a 1cm border around the edge with a sharp knife. Spread the crème fraîche mixture onto the tart, smoothing over up to the border edges. Scatter the strawberry slices over and bake for 25 mins until golden and puffed up. Scatter over more thyme leaves and serve with a rocket salad and a chilled glass of rosé.