A Touch of Sunshine in a Dessert (Fresh Fruit Tart)

 The other day, I got the baking bug.  I haven't baked anything terribly interesting in awhile, and it is something I enjoy.  I want to be able to prepare beautiful desserts to share with family and friends.  I posted a question on the Family, Friends and Food Facebook page and on Twitter asking what everyone's favorite thing to bake is and was inspired by my friend Janet (LaDue & Crew) to make a tart.

I have always loved the look of tarts... whether they are fresh fruit or full of creamy chocolate filling and sprinkled with fresh raspberries.  Then, Janet sent me a link to a tart she made last year that was stunning and had me jotting down the ingredients so that I can make my own version of it.

I did make a small change to her recipe based on what I had on hand and the time I had to spend on it.  I didn't make the pastry cream (but, do want to try it next time I make one), so I came up with a modified quick version:  instant vanilla pudding, milk and 4 ounces of reduced fat cream cheese.  I blended all of that together and spread it over the chocolate.

Since fresh fruit is not at is best this time of year, my tart was not quite as over-flowing with fruit as Janet's.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out - and will be making other variations as the season brings more fabulous fruit to the market.

My In-Laws came up to visit on Sunday and this tart was the finishing touch to our meal (London broil, Roasted Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts and garlic bread).   The tart was a wonderful taste of Spring! I think next time, I'll use a pie crust rather than puff pastry to see if we how we like it that way.

What do you like to bake or would you like to learn to bake? 



Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.