here’s something undeniably charming about a beautifully arranged fruit tart. The vibrant colors, the tantalizing aromas, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess make it a dessert that’s hard to resist. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that features the best of summer berries: cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This fruit tart not only looks like a masterpiece but also tastes like one. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

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Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons of cold water

For the filling:

• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of fresh raspberries
• 1 cup of fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup of apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon of water

For the topping:

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Serving Size:

• Makes 8 servings

Cook Time Duration:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

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The Crust

A good tart starts with an excellent crust. Here’s how to achieve that perfect, buttery foundation.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to mix everything together.
2. Add the Butter: Toss in the cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for that flaky texture we all love.
3. Incorporate the Egg Yolk: Add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the crust tough.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll out.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
6. Blind Bake: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

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The Filling

Now, onto the stars of our show: the cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

1. Prepare the Berries: Rinse the berries under cold water and pat them dry. Set aside.
2. Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
3. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Add this to the cranberry mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until it thickens further.
4. Add the Remaining Berries: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the raspberries, blueberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

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Assembly

This is where the magic happens. Assembling your tart is all about bringing those elements together beautifully.

1. Fill the Crust: Once your crust is completely cooled, pour the berry filling into it, spreading it out evenly.
2. Glaze the Tart: In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat until melted and smooth. Using a pastry brush, gently glaze the top of the tart. This not only adds a lovely shine but also helps to preserve the freshness of the berries.
3. Garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, garnish your tart with fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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Enjoying Your Creation

Serve your berry tart chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors – the tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the raspberries, and the juiciness of the blueberries all harmonize perfectly.

This berry tart is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. It’s perfect for any gathering, be it a summer picnic, a family dinner, or just a quiet evening at home.

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Tips for the Perfect Tart

1. Use Fresh Berries: Fresh berries make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you must use frozen berries, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps to make the crust more manageable and prevents it from shrinking during baking.
3. Taste and Adjust: Always taste your filling as you go. If the berries are particularly tart, you might need a bit more sugar. If they’re very sweet, you can dial it back a notch.
4. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the tart with too much berry mixture. This can cause it to overflow and make the crust soggy.
5. Enjoy Soon: This tart is best enjoyed the day it’s made. If you need to store it, keep it in the fridge for up to two days.