Monday, August 11, 2008

Summer Nectarine Tart

nectarine tart

When the temperature hit upper 90's, the last thing I wanted to do is crank up the oven. So when I saw the nectarine tart on Smitten Kitchen, I knew I would make something similar for our weekend get together. It was simple and elegant, with barely 10 minutes oven time required.

Nectarine Tart

As much as I loved to try the recipe as it was, seeing the positive feedbacks on epicurious.com, I didn't realise that I needed cream cheese and sour cream! And needless to say, I didn't have them on hand.

Not wanting to run out under the scorching sun, I simply combine 8 oz of mascarpone cream, which I remember seeing in the recipe; with a few dashes of whipping cream, a teaspoon of vanilla paste, 1/4 cup of confectioner's sugar and a generous squeeze of lemon juice from half a lemon. all while tasted and adjusted the flavor along the way. But you really don't need a recipe for the cream base. The luscious yet neutral tasting mascarpone takes on almost any flavor that one adds to it. How about lime juice? Or Grand Marnier? Kirsh?I thought of incorporating some cooked rhubarb into the mascarpone cream but decided against it on the last minute.Not that I don't adore the combination of rhubarb and mascarpone, but the state of our messy apartment required some urgent attention before our guests arrival.

Nectarine Tart

The nectarines I bought were not as sweet as I like, so I made a simple glaze, which was simply some heated raspberry perserve, to lightly coat the fruits. Top with some chopped pistachio and cherries for color contrast, the tart was ready to be served alongside the homemade mango sorbet.

I wasn't too happy with how the cookie crust turned out, so I am not going to list out the recipe here. In fact, I prefer my go-to sweet tart dough recipe, which I find to have better structural support. But you can use any of your trusted tart dough recipe too. With the abundant stone fruits and berries occupying prime positions on farmer's market now, use whatever fruits that strike your fancy and treat yourself to a luscious summer fruit tart today!

28 comments:

Manggy said...

Hey, you're like a dessert MacGyver in there! Ha ha :) Sorry the cookie crust didn't work out, but it looks totally festive and professionally done. Good job!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

It looks beautiful and I like how versatile it can be. It looks really good with the cherries in the middle and good thing the nectarines weren't so sweet because I love the shiny glaze!

ganache-ganache said...

Wow, this is so gorgeous, I'm sure it tastes as good as it looks......

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Your tart looks gorgeous. I'm sorry it didn't turn out as well as you would have hoped. I've been wanting to try a tart, so I'll check out your tried and true tart dough recipe. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

great improvisation. and it looks beautiful!

Dwiana P said...

what a good looking tart here! the color is so gorgeous. I had lots of nectarine last week and didn't think to make tart. I wish you post this recipe a week ago.

Jennywenny said...

That is truly spectacular, I wish I was as talented with my photography and food styling as you! I tried a very similar version with graham crackers and cream cheese that was an enormous hit(of course it was nowhere near as pretty)!
http://forayintofood.blogspot.com/2008/08/party-food.html

Maria said...

Your tart is beautiful. Such great colors!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Even though you weren't completely glad with the crust, the tart looks amazing. I love the combo of flavors and colors.

Deborah said...

It sure is a stunning tart!! I love how you just improvised for the filling - I'm never really good at that!

Kajal@aapplemint said...

Mascarpone, my dear is a fantastic option. I'd love it over cream n cheese anyday ! A wonderful sight to my eyes, this gorgeous tart is going to make me have sweet dreams, as i'm just about to hit the sack. Gdnite :)

Sweet Bird said...

That is really beautiful. I like your mascarpone filling, I'm going to have to try that out with my new tart pan.

My Sweet & Saucy said...

What a simply gorgeous tart! The fruit looks so tasty!

Y said...

Those fruit look unbelievable. Combined with a mascarpone filled tart, it really does sound like a very special treat.

Susan @ SGCC said...

What a beautiful tart! Sorry it didn't turn out as well as you'd like, but it really looks lovely.

Snooky doodle said...

this looks impressive. so simple and so astonishing.

Anonymous said...

so wonderfully refreshing!

Anonymous said...

That looks amazing...I like the look of your blog!!!
http://mylifeiscrap.com

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

The tart looks amazing and I cannot imagine it tasting anything other than that. You just have a good excuse to make it again and tweek it.

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

oh mandy this is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

i love the color of this dessert! beautiful job!

test it comm said...

That tart looks great!

Helene said...

It looks so perfectly arranged! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Very nice tart!! This is what I need now especially after dinner!!
I like the new look of the banner :)

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I gave you an award on my blog! Enjoy it!

daphne said...

You improvised and it turned out so well! I love the colours and how you crushed some pistachio nuts over it. Nicely done!

tayomismo said...

I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

sikat ang pinoy said...

I think on our most basic level we are creative beings and as we grow older we tend to get pulled or pushed away from that. Great article!

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