FRESH BERRY TART WITH SWEET MASCARPONE FILLING

The moment has come for desserts in the colors of the American flag! Memorial Day is quickly approaching, so you’ll want to have a few patriotic recipes on hand. This fresh berry tart is a sure bet.

Why?

• Desserts like this are sure to be a hit with everyone.
• People will wonder if you bought it, to which you might respond, “Of course not, I MADE it. Because I’m a cooking goddess.”
• Put together in 45 minutes.
• Summertime sunlight and rainbows in a sip.

This berry tart was a hit with my mother, who isn’t usually a fan of desserts. Light and elegant, the mascarpone cream, the berries, the apricot jam, and the buttery crust make this dessert a perfect mix. Love the rustic, Hobbit-like simplicity of it. Furthermore, if my allusion to the Hobbit hasn’t already convinced you, nothing else will.

INGREDIENTS:

TART SHELL:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt

FILLING:

• 2 tablespoons of apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier
• 1 cup of mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup of raspberries
• 1 cup of blackberries
• 1/3 cup of chilled heavy cream
• 1/3 cup of sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. A food processor can help you get a smooth and consistent texture by pulsing together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt). Process the butter until it comes together in a ball. Fit the dough into a 10-inch tart pan with a detachable base by rolling it out to a 12-inch diameter. Make sure the crust is pushed all the way up and into the fluted sides of the pan before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes with a fork protruding from the surface. It should be completely cooled down.
2. Beat the mascarpone, cream, and sugar together until they are smooth and well blended. Arrange the berries on top after spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
3. If using, warm the apricot jam and Grand Marnier together in a small saucepan until thick and syrupy. When it’s just warm to the touch, turn off the heat. Put some on the berries and watch the magic happen. Serve.