November 29, 2011

TWD: Normandy Apple Tart

don't let the burnt edges scare you.
Our tour of French apple tarts concludes with today's Normandy Apple Tart, selected by one of my favorite TWDers, Tracey of Tracey's Culinary Adventures.

I actually made this one a couple of weeks before I made my own pick, the Alsatian Apple Tart, and really didn't think "my" tart could top this one. They are both based on the same sweet tart dough and feature a topping of artfully fanned apple slices, but the Normandy Tart has a base of homemade apple sauce or compote. I happened to have some of my favorite homemade applesauce on hand (Ina Garten's recipe - it's made by roasting the fruit, and it's unbelievably good), but Dorie also offers her own applesauce recipe. You can also use store-bought sauce if you prefer, but I really think the intensity of the homemade sauce is necessary here. I can't imagine this tart with the pleasant but bland stuff I put in my kids' lunchboxes. The sweet-tart sauce melds beautifully with the sliced apples.

I loved this tart and plan on making it again and again. In fact, I think I like it better than regular American apple pie. Gasp!

Please visit Tracey's blog for the recipe, and also check out Judy's Gross Eats for today's alternate Tuesdays with Dorie selection, Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie/Tart. I've actually made this tart before and really liked it, but it didn't make it to the Thanksgiving table this year because certain people can't resist the siren call of a giant Costco pumpkin pie (which is actually pretty decent).

So...one more month until Christmas, and one more month (sniff, sniff) until we say goodbye to Tuesdays with Dorie. I can't believe it!

Next week: Kayte of Grandma’s Kitchen Table chose Honey Almond Fig Tart AND/OR Nicole of Bakeologie chose Earl Grey Madeleines

Last week: REWIND of Milk Chocolate Miniature Bundt Cakes 

8 comments:

  1. Your tart is beautiful! Due to your excellent review I will be making it ASAP!
    Have a great week.

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  2. I totally agree, the apple sauce is the star here and the homemade stuff blows away even the best apple sauce you can buy. Yours looks terrific!!

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  3. I love the way you talked about this recipe! Both tarts were wonderful though weren't they? I am so sad there is only one more month of TWD!

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  4. I've got to try Ina's applesauce recipe you mentioned, that sounds awesome! Your tart looks great - I love the way the apples browned, they don't look burnt at all. I still need to get to the tart you chose, maybe rewind material next month :) Thanks for baking with me!

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  5. the apples arrangement is so appealing. lovely job.

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  6. I wanted to, but didn't get this one made (made the pumpkin pie), but I've had a similar tart with applesauce and sliced apples from a cooking class I took and it was SO good. I'll have to get to it!

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  7. Good point about making this vs. apple pie...I think this would be a great substitute! Apologies for not making the recipe you selected, but I was short on time this month. I'm going to check out Ina's applesauce recipe now!

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  8. A beautiful tart! I am so behind - on both your tart and this one. I have the bowl of apples, just need the time! Thanks for the Ina link - I'll have to do that - I "almost" started this knowing I had canned applesauce.... but glad I didn't go that route!

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Comments are always appreciated!