Summer Berry Tart with Lemon Mascarpone Cream
[We’ve been running around this week literally spinning plates and juggling knives, so here’s a repost from a few years back. It’s one of our absolute favorites from the blog, and is an absolute crowd-pleaser whenever we make it. It’s super-easy, and, other than the crust, doesn’t need baking. We just planted our own redcurrant bushes this year, so we’re hopeful that within a couple of seasons, we’ll have enough gorgeous berries to decorate a tart entirely from our garden.]
Besides being nerdy about movies, television and all things culinary, Matt and I both share a dorky fascination with etymology (the history of words).
I’ve written about my most hated words in a previous post (which had to be titled Asian Cabbage and Fennel Salad because Matt despises the word ‘slaw’). Now I thought we’d list some of our favorites (join us and write yours in the comments!).
INGREDIENTS
For the Crust:
- 12 whole graham crackers (1½ cups, 7oz)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (34g)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- ¾ cup whipping cream (180ml)
- 1 8 ounce container mascarpone cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ cup lemon curd, home-made or store bought (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from half a lemon)
- 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, to taste)
- For the Berry Topping: Note: use whatever berries you like best
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced or halved
- ½ pint raspberries
- Mint leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
For the crust (you’ll need a 9½-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom):
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F
- Place the crackers in the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Add the salt, sugar and melted butter and process again until well combined.
- Place the crumbs into the tart pan and evenly spread the crumbs so that they cover the bottom of the pan and sides. Press down on the bottom firmly to make a compact layer. Use your fingers to pinch and press some of the crumbs around the inside edge of the pan to cover the sides evenly and create a rim about a ¼ inch thick. Bake the crust until it’s golden brown and smells nutty, about 10 minutes. Set the baked crust on a rack and let cool. Note: The crust can be made up to a day ahead and stored at room temperature, wrapped well in plastic.
Full Recipes>>Summer Berry Tart with Lemon Mascarpone Cream