Showing posts with label Dessert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dessert. Show all posts

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with Maple Glaze

Yep. You read it right, Pumpkin. Pie. Pop. Tarts. 

Fall seems to be evading me this year and it's making me really sad! The weather here in Vegas can't seem to make up its mind - scorching heat one day and gusty winds the next, then freak storms and frigidly cold nights. Being that Fall is my favorite season and it hasn't really arrived yet makes me kind of pissed off or at least a bit disgruntled.

But despite the lack of a true fall, I will not give up my right to cook up all things Fall, namely all things pumpkin. These little things? Two layers of crispy, buttery, flaky pie stuffed with lightly spiced, smooth pumpkin pie filling. Yes, it is perfection. Joy the Baker is seriously a genius. I really enjoyed these but the pastry was a little too delicate and broke quite easily. Next time I make these, I'd probably use a sturdier pie crust, other than that: I definitively concur that these are amazing. 


Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with Maple Glaze
Yields: 9 tarts
Original recipe here.

For the crust:
2 cups flour
1 tbsn. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 8 oz.) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
1 large egg
2 tbsn. milk
1 large egg, whisked (for brushing)

For the filling:
3/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1 large egg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup sugar

For the maple glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp. maple syrup
2 tbsn. milk

To prepare the crust, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter and break it up in the flour mixture using your fingers, a pastry cutter or a food processor. Work it in until only pea sized lumps remain in your mixture. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Add the mixture all at once to the dry ingredients and stir to make sure it is well combined. Lightly dust a clean counter with flour and knead the dough on the floured counter for a few turns until it really starts to come together. Divide the dough in two, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

To make the filling, in a small saucepan, heat the pumpkin puree and spices over medium heat. Heat heat through until the spices become fragrant. Remove from the heat and place the spiced pumpkin in a medium bowl. Whisk in the egg, salt, and sugar and place in the refrigerator to rest. On a well floured surface, press the dough into a 3x5 inch rectangle, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The dough should be slightly larger than 9x12 inches. Trim dough with a pizza cutter, creating a rectangle that is 9 inches tall and 12 inches long. Using a pizza cutter, cut each side into thirds, creating 9 squares. 

Place the dough squares in the fridge while you roll out the second piece of dough in the same way. Brush one set of the 9 squares with the beaten egg. Spoon about one tablespoon of pie filling into the center of each brushed dough square. Top with a piece of dough and use a floured fork to crimp the sides closed. Use the tines of the fork to create vent holes in each tart. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Let the tarts rest in the fridge for 30 minutes while the oven preheats. Remove the tarts from the fridge and place in the oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. To make the glaze, whisk together all the ingredients and set aside. Glaze the tarts when they are completely cooled.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Balls


There's nothing more cutesy than a cake pop. On the downside, there's nothing as painful and laborious to make as a cake pop. Yes, they are beautiful, but beauty takes a lot of work; especially these babies. In the center lies a moist red velvet cake crumble mixed with cheese cream frosting, then it's surrounded by a layer of creamy cheesecake, then rolled in some graham cracker crumbs for some crunch, and finally surrounded in white coating chocolate! Whew, that was a lot to get out!


As you can probably tell, there are a lot of steps to these pops, but, what you don't know is that they really are worth it. For a red velvet cheesecake lover, this is pretty much heaven! And for a holiday party, I can't think of any treat more fitting.


Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake Pops
Yields: about 25 - 30 cake pops
Original recipe here.

1 recipe red velvet cake, baked, crumbled (I used my favorite)
1 can of cream cheese frosting
1 baked cheesecake (I used this recipe, or you can use store bought to make it easier)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups white chocolate bark, chopped finely
lollipop sticks 

To make the cake center, mix together the red velvet cake crumbs and cream cheese frosting until thoroughly mixed. Using clean hands, form them into 1" balls and set on a foil lined baking sheet. Set in freezer for 30 minutes to harden, to make them easier to work with. Pour the graham cracker crumbs in a shallow bowl and set next to your cheesecake to make a sort of assembly line. Using a spoon, take about 1 - 2 tbsn. of the cheesecake and wrap around the cake center. This will be difficult, but once you mostly have it covered around in the cheesecake, drop the ball into the graham cracker crumbs and roll around. Once covered in graham cracker crumbs, it will now be easier to roll into a uniform ball. Repeat with remaining cheesecake and cake balls and set onto a foil lined baking sheet. Melt your white chocolate bark (either in 30 second increments in the microwave of using a double boiler). Dip a lollipop stick in the melted chocolate, then stick one into each cheesecake-cake ball. Once all cake balls have been sticked, place in the freezer for 30 minutes until set. Re-melt your chocolate until it is smooth again, since by now it might have hardened a bit. Grab a stick and dip the entire ball into the chocolate until covered. Tap lightly to remove excess, then transfer to a clean foil-lined baking sheet. You can either let them harden on the counter or, if you want to speed up the process, you can set them in the freezer again for 20 - 30 minutes. Enjoy!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Pumpkin Pie Marshmallows

It's funny, because when it comes to food, it seems like there are two types of people. There are the "semi-homemade" chefs and the full blown, homemade everything chefs. Some people think that taking the semi-homemade way is a cop out but I feel like the occasional easy meal keeps for a well-rested home cook. 
Sometimes though, I like to challenge myself. I know that it seems like everything I make is a sure winner, but that's only because pictures are a lot more forgiving than taste buds. And sometimes, I mess up things so badly, I don't even post them because I'm so ashamed! But these little things, they are not one of my failures.
Homemade marshmallows have been on my to-do list since forever. I've always had this notion in my head that they would be difficult because I mean, I've never really had homemade marshmallows, ever. After reading numerous times about how easy marshmallows are, I really couldn't pass the opportunity to make pumpkin pie marshmallows. Seriously, pumpkin pie marshmallows?!

Anyways, these were a cinch. The only hard part is dealing with the clean up, because you better believe that these things make for a large mess... in every single corner of your kitchen. Powder everywhere, sticky pots and pans... oy vey! But, the upside is that you're rewarded with little puffy pillows of sweet and spicy goodness. These were really sweet, like, really sweet. A bit too sweet for me to be eaten alone, but perfect in a cup of bittersweet hot chocolate!

Pumpkin Pie Marshmallows
Yields:
Original recipe here.

3 packages of unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 tbsn. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch

Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line a 9x13" baking pan with parchment paper, spray lightly with non-stick spray, then dust with 1/3 of the sugar-cornstarch mixture; set aside. Place 1/2 cup of the cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir to distribute. Let the gelatin dissolve for at least 5 minutes. 

Place the remaining water, corn syrup and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and increase the heat to medium-high and insert a candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it reaches 240 F on a candy thermometer, about 8 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and carefully pour the hot syrup into the stand mixer with the gelatin. Turn the mixer on low to combine, then turn the mixer to high and whip for 12 - 15 minutes or until the mixture is stiff and shiny. 

While the marshmallow is whipping, combine the pumpkin puree, spices and vanilla in a small bowl. When the marshmallow is ready, fold in the pumpkin mixture and stir well until there are no visible pumpkin streaks remaining. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Dust with 1/3 of the sugar-cornstarch mixture and let it sit uncovered for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Turn the marshmallows onto a cutting board and cut into 1 1/2" squares. Dust the sides with the remaining sugar-cornstarch mixture. Store in a container with the lid slightly ajar for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Smores Tartlettes

For someone who primarily bakes, I'm not much of a sweets eater. If my life depended on the choice between sweet versus savory, I'd choose savory hands down. I love salt so much so that I used to just moisten my fingers, dip them in salt, and then proceed to lick it off my fingers. So... basically, when I get kidney stones, I'll know exactly why and who to blame.
When I made these smores tartlettes, I wasn't expecting to love them much. When I do enjoy sweets, I usually prefer ones on the less sweet side. These, filled with a rich chocolate ganache and topped with toasty marshmallows seemed like they would be much too rich for my own taste, which is why I chose to make them as a present for someone else. But as I tasted these teeny little tartlettes, I was surprised by how much I was drawn to them. They're actually the perfect treat! I love when I prove myself wrong.
Smores Tartlettes
Yields: 10 mini tarts
Original recipe here.

For the crust:
1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
5 tbsn. unsalted butter

For the filling:
5 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsn. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
pinch of salt (I used fleur de sell)
1/2 tsp. vanilla

mini marshmallows

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until well blended and crumbly. Transfer the mixture to the mini tart pans and use your fingers to press the graham crackers into the pan. Bake until set and golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Place the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk and butter until warm and the butter is melted. Stir to combine and pour the hot milk mixture over the chocolate. Let stand for several minutes, then stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the salt and vanilla and let cool completely. Pour into the mini crusts and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours. Right before serving, press a layer of mini marshmallows into the chilled ganache. Use a blow torch to toast the marshmallows until golden brown.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Oreo Cookie Cookies

An oreo is a cookie. An oreo in a cookie?

Seriously people; genius pure genius. I'm loving these new batch of interesting kitschy cookies and cakes that I've been seeing lately; they make me really, really happy. Basically this cookie is good... and large! As if good wasn't good enough (haha) but they are LARGE and good, double score!
These are choc full of cookie goodness, chewy interior, crispy interior and gooey chocolate. Really what more could you ask for. Although these babies are yummy, I must say, I don't think I'll ever find cookies as good as these two: here and here. Mmmm cookies.

Oreo Cookie Cookies
Yields: 20 - 30 cookies
Original recipe here.

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tbsn. vanilla
1 egg + 1 yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
20 oreos, crushed

Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. Cream together the melted butter and sugars until well blended. Beat in vanilla, egg, and yolk until light and creamy. Mix in sifted ingredients until blended. Add crushed ores and beat on low for a few seconds. Stir in chocolate chips then drop cookies 1/4 cup at a time onto prepared cookie sheets, 3 inches apart. Bake for 15 - 17 minutes or until edges are lightly toasted. Cool for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Peach Cobbler Cupcakes


I seriously cannot believe it is already August; where has the time gone? It's amazing how at one point, summer felt so far away and in an instant, it's gone in a blink of an eye. I'm still looking forward to my vacation at the end of the month though - it seems like it has taken forever to come. 

I'll be going to Cancun, which I wasn't all too excited about at first because it's a little cliche and overrun with tourists, but I decided I was gonna make the best of it. I started researching all the awesome places to go, like here and here and here, and now I find myself incredibly excited. Underground caves? Yes, I'd like that, I'd like that very much. A fine example of why you shouldn't judge things too quickly.


Anyways, I'm pretty sure I made these last summer, goes to show how much of a procrastinator I am. But since it's summer now, these cupcakes are perfectly fitting for the season. We actually have gorgeous peach trees at home, both yellow and white, so I love baking with them. These cupcakes will inhabit your dreams, they do mine, while I reminisce about eating them last summer...

Full of fresh peach chunks and a tender cake, then topped with a crispy-crunchy top. On top of that, a fluffy frosting made of pudding mix! I wanted to try something new and I'm glad I did. It's perfectly rides the line between being too sweet and not sweet enough and it's velvety on the tongue. Definitely a home-y, comforting little cake.




Peach Cobbler Cupcakes
Yields: 16 cupcakes
Cupcakes adapted from here. Frosting adapted from here.

For the cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup peaches, skins removed, roughly chopped (about 2 medium)

For the crumble:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

For the peach-pudding buttercream:
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 stick salted butter, room temperature
1 pkg. white chocolate instant pudding mix
1/2 - 3/4 cup heavy cream (depending on how thick you want your frosting)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of cardamom
1/2 cup powdered sugar (or more depending on your taste)

To make the crumble, mix everything in a bowl with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a cupcake pan with liners and set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices in a bowl. Beat the butter and sugars in a stand mixer for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, sour cream and vanilla until blended. Mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the peaches. Fill the cupcake liners 1/2 full. Sprinkle each cupcake with about 1 tbsn. of the crumble mixture. Bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 

To make the frosting, in a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and silky. Turn the speed to low and add the pudding mix, when incorporated, slowly add in the cream, a little at a time. When fully incorporated, bring the speed up to high and beat for 5 - 7 minutes this ensures you beat the grit of the pudding mix out). Turn the speed back down to low and add the powdered sugar, tasting along the way. When it is sweet enough to your taste, beat again at high speed for 5 minutes. Add the vanilla and spices then bring the speed back to low and beat for 3 minutes longer.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sour Cream Cinnamon Rolls


When the recipe said quick and easy, I was sold. I made it the day I saw the recipe - now that is some advertising! Sometimes you just need something sweet, and after a long hiatus of not baking, I needed something to ease me into the process. Even though yeast can be scary, these are anything but!

I'm not going to tell you that these are the most amazing cinnamon rolls I've ever had, because they weren't, but anything that is this easy and requires little effort can't nearly taste as good as something that you've poured your heart and soul into! But besides that, I still managed to polish them off ;)



Sour Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Yields: 12 cinnamon rolls
Original recipe here.

1/4 cup warm water (not hot)
2 tsp. dry active yeast
1 tsp. + 2 tbsn. sugar, divided
1 large egg
1/3 cup + 2 tbsn. sour cream, divided
2 1/2 tbsn. unsalted butter, melted, divided
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla

Whisk together the water, yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in a large mixing bowl; allow to sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining sugar, egg, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1 tbsn. melted butter, baking powder and salt until well combined. Stir in the flour until well combined and a ball of dough forms. Lightly cover the bowl with a moist towel or saran wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm area for 45 minutes. Roll the dough out into a thin rectangle on a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin. Brush the dough with 1 tbsn. melted butter, then sprinkle the entire surface with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough up and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and lightly cover with a moist towel or saran wrap. Allow to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Once risen, heat the oven to 350 F. Brush the cinnamon rolls with the remaining 1/2 tbsn. melted butter and bake for 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. To make the glaze, mix together the remaining sour cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cinnamon rolls.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Chocolate Éclair Cake



I love anything that has to do with custard, as you know well by now. It's just the perfect food; creamy, sweet, so unctuous! I've been wanting to make this Chocolate Éclair Cake for a while, but I was kind of iffy about all of the processed products in it and whether or not it would turn out tasty. Despite my own cautions about the cake, there were numerous glowing reviews about how easy and how incredibly delicious this cake is... so I went ahead and bit the bullet!



This icebox cake is everything everyone says it is. First, it's easy as hell, I mean seriously, all you have to do is assemble the dang thing, then let is rest in the refrigerator overnight. Secondly, and most importantly, it's effing delicious!!! Yes, I had to use multiple exclamation points because it is so yummy. It's custardy and rich and chocolatey all at the same time. 

I went ahead and did myself a favor by using all low-fat or sugar-free products to reduce my caloric intake. Something so luxurious to begin with can get away with shedding a few unneeded indulgences. Magically, this concoction does taste like an eclair, and if you love them, you must try this recipe! Something to note, the chocolate frosting makes the cake extremely sweet, so I suggest using a chocolate ganache instead, unless you like sticky sweet desserts.



Chocolate Éclair Cake
Yields: about 15 - 20 servings
Original recipe here.

1 package low-fat graham crackers
2 packages (3.4 oz.) sugar-free instant French vanilla pudding
8 oz. package fat-free Cool Whip
3 cups nonfat milk
16 oz. can chocolate frosting (or homemade chocolate ganache)

In a large bowl, mix together the milk and pudding mix until well combined, then fold in the Cool Whip. Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish (you may need to break some crackers to fit the dish). Top with a layer of the pudding mixture (about 1 cm thick), then top with another layer of graham crackers. Continue this process until you finish the graham crackers. Spread the chocolate frosting or homemade ganache over the top of the last layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours and up to overnight before serving.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Swedish Semlor


I love anything involved with cream or custard. Cream puffs are just a complete celebration of the gorgeous lusciousness that is custard, which is why, naturally, I'm in love with them. After seeing gorgeous photos of Swedish semlor on Pinterest, I was intrigued and decided to find out a little bit more about them.

The Swedish have this lovely tradition called 'fika' which is basically a time in the day where they take the time to relax with some coffee and pastries. I think it's the most lovely idea ever, if only we could all take some time out of our busy lives to enjoy some fine company and fine pastries - I think it would do us all a big favor. Anyways, semlor are the Swedish version of cream puffs, but a little bit more involved and fragranced with the slightest bit of cardamom and almond.

 Soft, cardamom spiced buns filled with custard and whipped cream and topped with just a bit of powdered sugar... come on now, how can it not be good? Plus, they're really pretty too!


Swedish Semlor
Yields: 8 large buns or 16 mini buns
Adapted from here.

1 large egg
1/3 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup warm milk
1 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom, plus more for filling
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup milk, or as needed
3 oz. marzipan
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar, for dusting

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg with the melted butter and milk. Sprinkle the yeast on top and allow to soften for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, sift together the 2 1/2 cups of flour with 1/4 cup sugar, salt and ground cardamom. Once the yeast has softened, stir the flour mixture into the milk mixture until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. Sift together the remaining flour and baking powder. Stir into the risen dough, then knead until smooth. Form into 8 equal balls or 16 if you'd like smaller buns. Place onto a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, 35 - 40 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake the buns for 10 - 15 minutes until golden brown and the center is firm. Cool the buns on a wire rack until room temperature. Once cool, cut about 1/2" thick slice off the top, set aside. Scoop or cut out the center of the buns, leaving a shell about 1/2" thick. Tear the removed bread into small pieces and place into the bowl of a food processor. Add the milk and marzipan to the mixture and process until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. It should be the consistency of pudding. Add the almond extract and a pinch of cardamom and process until combined. Scoop this mixture into the hollowed buns. Whip the cream with 2 tbsn. of sugar to stiff peaks. Pipe the whipped cream on top of the filling to 1/2" over the top of the bun. Replace tops onto the buns and dust with powdered sugar.


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Frangipane Fruit Tart



This, my friends, is one of my favorite things I've ever made. Ever.

It's the epitome of desserts I love because it is both rich tasting and refreshing at the same time! Plus, it has custard and of course, anything that has custard in it is a win in my book. Let me just emphasize again that this fruit tart is amazing; not only does it taste amazing, it's literally breathtaking to look at. It starts with a chewy and sweet sugar cookie crust, which is then filled with the most fragrant and delicious frangipane filling. On top of that is a layer of creamy vanilla custard that helps keep the whole tart moist and enables the fruit to stick to the tart. If you can imagine anything more this tart needs, it is then topped with a medley of fresh fruit and beautified with an apricot glaze that makes it even more stunning to look at!

I know this sounds really tedious, having five components and all, but the way I make this tart (using shortcuts) makes it do-able and when you take a bite of this gorgeous thing you just made, you'll start thinking of when you're gonna make it again and again! I've made it almost 10 times already... not joking!


French Fruit Tart
Yields: 2 9" tarts
Original frangipane recipe here.
http://gourmeted.com/2010/07/28/blueberry-frangipane-tart/

For the crust:
1 package dry mix sugar cookie dough
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)
+ the ingredients needed to make it, according to the package

For the custard layer:
1 small package of French vanilla pudding
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla 
 For the frangipane layer:
8 tbsn. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 cup almond meal or ground almonds
4 tsp. cornstarch
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. almond extract

For the glaze:
1/4 cup apricot jam or orange marmalade
2 tbsn. water

For the filling (any assortment of the below will work):
raspberries
golden raspberries
blueberries
strawberries
blackberries
kiwi
peaches
mango
mandarin oranges

First, prepare the frangipane filing. Combine the butter and sugar in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add the ground almonds and pulse to blend. Add the cornstarch and pulse. Mix in the egg, egg yolk and almond extract. Scrape into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using. 

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare the sugar cookie mix according to the directions on the package. Option to add vanilla for some extra flavor, if desired. Divide the dough among two 9" tart pans with removable bottoms. Spread evenly along the entire surface and up the sides (don't worry if it looks thin - it will puff up during baking). Bake for 10 - 13 minutes until just barely golden. Once out of the oven, use the back of a spoon to gently press in the center to create a well, while maintaining the edges. This will make room for the frangipane layer. Set aside to cool a bit. Once room temperature, divide the frangipane filling among the two par-baked tart shells and bake for 10 - 15 minutes until slightly puffed and golden brown. Remove to a rack to cool completely.

To prepare the custard, combine all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk for 3 - 5 minutes until thickened and smooth. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to chill and thicken up some more. Once thickened, use a offset spatula to divide the custard among the two tarts, spreading the custard over the entire surface in a smooth layer. Top with your assortment of fruit in any manner that you like. To make the glaze, heat all of the ingredients over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Once thinned, remove from the heat and use a pastry brush to glaze the entire surface of the tart. Chill the tart for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!