Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe pate sucre, recipe follows
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 2/3 cup lime juice
- 2 small lemons, zested
- 2 small limes, zested
- 6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) soft butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Roll out the pate sucre to a circle about 1/4 inch thick and large enough to slightly overlap a 9-inch metal tart pan. Fit the dough into the pan and trim the edges. Line the bottom and sides of the shell with parchment, or coffee filter papers, or aluminum foil. Fill the lining with dried beans, rice or aluminum beans and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and remove the beans and the lining. Return the shell to the oven and bake until golden, 5 to 10 minutes longer.
In a large metal bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, 1 cup sugar, lemon and lime juice, and zests. Set over simmering water and continue to whisk until the mixture is very thick, about 10 minutes.
Turn off the flame and whisk in the butter, a few pieces at a time. (You don't want the mixture to cool down before all the butter is incorporated.) Strain the filling into a bowl. Scrape into the baked tart shell and smooth with a metal spatula. Cool and then refrigerate until firm, 3 to 4 hours, up to overnight.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the top of the filling. With a propane blowtorch, caramelize the sugar. (This can also be done under the broiler. Place the tart on the broiler tray directly under the flame, watching carefully to prevent burning). Refrigerate the tart for at least 30 minutes. Or, if desired, eliminate the 2 tablespoons of sugar and arrange circles of raspberries on top of the tart. Sift a little powdered sugar over the berries just before serving.
Cut into slices and serve. If you have caramelized the sugar, serve the tart with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
Pate Sucre:
- 2 1/3 cups cake or pastry flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 or 2 tablespoons heavy cream
In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour and sugar. Add the butter and process until the texture resembles fine meal.
In a small bowl, whisk together the yolks and 1 tablespoon of the cream. Scrape into the machine and process until a ball begins to form, using the additional tablespoon of cream, if necessary. Remove the dough from the machine, and on a lightly floured surface, press down into a circle. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Yield: 2 (9-inch) tart shells
Propane Gas Torch Warning: Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat or flame, and should not be exposed to prolonged sunlight. Propane gas torches should only be used in well-ventilated areas. When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you. Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve. Light the gas jet, and blow out the match. Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch. Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.
















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By christmas1941
on November 11, 2010
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For a fancy dessert I didn't think this was all that involved. It's a true fancy-restaurant quality dessert and I happily give it 5 stars.
By kathieloue_11907793
Jackson, WY
on June 29, 2010
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I work in a national park making desserts for the employee cafeteria. I wanted to make this for a long time but had to choose the right moment because this is a time consuming recipe. I also did it on a large sheet pan and served it with rasberry puree and strawberries. Everybody who ate some raved about this. While the ingredients are super rich, the taste is light and airy. I might add some salt to the pate sucre dough next time. I can hardly wait to make my own variations of this dessert. This dessert will razzle dazzle 'em every time, and build up your biceps and triceps whisking the filling.
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