Fresh Fruit Tart

Step 1

In a medium non-aluminum saucepan over medium heat, warm milk until tiny bubbles appear on the surface, about 6 to 8 minutes (about 180 degrees Farenheit / 82 degrees Celsius).

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Whisk in cornstarch and salt.

Step 3

While whisking constantly, pour in half of the hot milk. Whisk in remaining hot milk and return to saucepan.

Step 4

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a firm consistency, about 5 to 8 minutes. Whisk in vanilla. Scrape in to a bowl.

Step 5

Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on to the surface of the pastry cream. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 to 3 hours.

Step 6

In a standing mixer fit with the paddle attachment, or with an electric mixer by hand, cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 7

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add egg. Continue mixing until combined, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Add vanilla and salt, mix until combined.

Step 8

Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour and baking powder and blend until the dough comes together (do not overmix).

Step 9

Scrape dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and chill at least 1 hour.

Step 10

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (177 degrees Celsius).

Step 11

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch (0.3 cm to 0.6 cm). If the dough crumbles or breaks apart, press back together with your fingertips.

Step 12

Loosely roll the dough around the rolling pin, then gently unroll it over the tart pan, preferably with a removable bottom (9 inches or 24.4 cm in diameter, or substitute a pie plate).

Step 13

Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Cover the dough with parchment paper or foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans (you will need about 2 pounds or 1 kilogram, see notes). Bake 12 minutes.

Step 14

Remove pie weights or beans and parchment paper or foil. Return to oven and bake until golden brown and fully cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes longer. Cool completely.

Step 15

Fill cooled tart crust with chilled pastry cream. Arrange fruit in a decorative pattern.

Step 16

Using a pastry brush, brush fruit with melted apricot glaze (reheat as necessary if glaze cools and becomes too sticky).