Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Warm Pear Custard Tarts with Pomegranate


This is a jazzed up version of a classic french custard tart from the Normandy region, traditionally made with apples but pears are also a popular choice.

The sweet crust tarts are filled with sliced pears and a cream custard, which is then baked and finally sprinkled on top with pomegranate seeds.
The addition of pomegranate gives the tarts a vibrant burst of flavor and crunch.

The tartness of the fruit is a nice contrast to the sweetness of this tart and adds a splash of vivid color scattered over the tarts like little ruby jewels.

Warm Pear Custard Tarts with Pomegranate: (adapted from Julia Child's Tarte Normande Aux Poires in Mastering the Art of French Cooking)(Makes 6 small tarts)
  • x2 medium pears (peeled, cored and sliced)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup sifted flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cognac (I altered this- recipe calls for 3 tbsp)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (my addition)
  • 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds (my addition)

Pre-heat oven to 375F.

Par-bake the tart shells, directions in my Lemon Tarts post.

Peel, core and slice the pears.

Toss them in a bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, coating the pears well.

Arrange the pears in the tart shells and bake in the oven at 375F for about 20 minutes.

Remove and let cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until it becomes thick and pale yellow.

Beat in the flour and then the cream, cognac and vanilla.

Pour the custard in the tart shells filling them almost right to the top.

Return the tarts to the oven at 375F for about 10 minutes until the cream begins to puff.

While the tarts are still warm from the oven sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and serve.





31 comments:

  1. Lovely photos! The colors are marvelous, I've made a salad with the pomegranate seeds but would never have thought to use them in a tart. Great idea.

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  2. Hmmm the pomegranate on top looks delightful!

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  3. Ooooh, nice! This website is a sweets gold mine! I love it.

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  4. I cannot wait to try these!! And I have pears and a pomegranate staring at me! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. These make me want to be a baker. So pretty.

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  6. They look delicious. I just have to wait for my tartelett forms to arrive and then I´ll try them myself!

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  7. oh wow these are so cute will tweet them fellow Brit rebecca

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  8. Oh yum yum!I love your take on the pear tart. Fancy that? Both of us posted pear tarts in tandem? LOL!!

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  9. These are perfect little treats. And too simple not to try! Lovely!

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  10. OK, I'm convinced I need to buy small tart pans. Those could not be more beautiful! Love the presentation and the flavors are terrific.

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  11. What wonderful Fall inspired tarts!

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  12. These look delicious! I just bought some lovely tart moulds. I'm going to use them for these! tq for sharing :))

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  13. those are beautiful.

    I love making tarts. I would not have thought of pomegranates.

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  14. Those are gaw-geous! I have got to try them. I love the addition of Pomegranate!

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  15. I love the way you give your recipes such nice twists, and these photos are great, too. Also, Chai is my favorite flavor for tea - your bread on the other post looks delish!

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  16. These look amazing! I love pear desserts (and pear cocktails! :)

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  17. Add pom is a wonderful addition to those tarts.

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  18. those are gorgeous! perfect combination of flavors and the jewels on top really make it pop :)

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  19. Beautiful tarts, and the pomegranate topping is stunning.

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  20. Hey, thanks for commenting about my cupcakes :)
    I checked your blog and love it!! Everything looks delicious! I'm gonna add your link to mine, ok?
    So have you been at the flea??
    Take care!

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  21. Ooh, these sound and look deliciously tasty!

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  22. Oh! I love your little tarts! I have a set of little tart pans I just *had* to buy, and I've never used them. I think I'll have to break them out for these :)

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  23. Pear in anything makes me sublimely happy, and although I've never had pomegranate, it is beautiful here and I'd love to try it!

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  24. These tarts look delicious and so chic!

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  25. These look sooo beautiful. A great combination -- pears and pomegranates! I am inspired to try them. Love the photos.

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  26. Passing some blog love your way. Stop by my blog to see what I mean.
    : )
    ~ Michelle

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  27. My daughter loves pomegranate - thanks for the recipe and lovely pictures!

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  28. So pretty! I need to try these out. Especially since i just got some new tart shell pans.

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  29. Love all things miniature and these cute little tarts are no exception. I love the combo of custard and fruit but I may not be able to eat just one.

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  30. I love pomegranate. Dad has just recently started bringing some home. I have never thought about topping things with it, though. This is interesting.

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