A Taste of Normandy: The Irresistible Charm of Tarte Normande with Calvados and Cream

Ingredients: Crafting a Culinary Masterpiece

For the Pastry

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into small cubes)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

• 4 medium apples (preferably Bramley or any tart apple)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Calvados (or another apple brandy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Garnish

• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• A few apple slices (for decoration, optional)

Creating the Perfect Pastry

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by placing the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Bind the Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg yolk and cold water. Stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If necessary, add a little more cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough holds together without being sticky.
3. Chill the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll Out and Line the Tart Pan: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Gently transfer the rolled dough to a tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough and refrigerate the lined tart pan for another 15 minutes.

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to coat evenly.
3. Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern over the chilled tart dough, slightly overlapping them in a spiral or concentric circles.

Making the Creamy Custard

1. Mix the Custard Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, Calvados, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Pour Over the Apples: Gently pour the custard mixture over the arranged apple slices, allowing it to settle and fill the gaps between the apples.

Baking the Tart

1. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the apples are tender. The top should be golden brown.
2. Cool and Garnish: Allow the tart to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the sides of the tart pan. Dust with powdered sugar and arrange a few apple slices on top if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Tarte Normande is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, pair it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for an elegant dessert at a dinner party or a cozy treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

This Tarte Normande, with its rich, buttery pastry and luscious apple-custard filling, truly embodies the charm of French baking. The addition of Calvados not only enhances the apple flavor but also gives the tart an exquisite depth of taste, making it a memorable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful way to bring a taste of Normandy into your home. Enjoy the process of creating this delectable dessert and savor each bite of your homemade French apple tart.

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