Gooseberry Blueberry Tartlettes Recipes

GOOSEBERRY AND BLUEBERRY CUSTARD CROSTATA WITH BROWN SUGAR CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the dough: Grate the butter on a box grater and add to the bowl of a food processor with the flour, granulated sugar and kosher salt. Pulse to incorporate. Add the egg yolk and almond extract then pulse another few times. Add 3/4 cup of the toasted almonds and pulse to break up the almonds. Add the ice water and pulse until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Pat and form the dough into a disc. Roll out the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick circle, dusting with more flour if necessary. Transfer the dough onto a floured sheet tray and cover with plastic wrap. Place into the fridge to chill for 20 minutes.
• Spray six 4-inch tart shells with removable bottoms with nonstick cooking spray. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll out to 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into 5-inch circles and gently lay into the tart shells. Using your finger, press the dough into all edges of the tart shell, making sure the dough is completely flush against the mold. Run your rolling pin over the top to remove any excess dough from the top. Line the tart shells with foil and fill each with your baking beans. Make sure the foil is completely covering the dough or else it will burn in the oven. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Take out of the oven and remove the foil and baking beans, then place back into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
• For the custard: Add the heavy cream, 4 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla extract to a large bowl. Blend with an immersion blender. Set aside.
• Add the blueberries, gooseberries, the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and cornstarch to a large bowl. Toss to combine to ensure the fruit is fully coated. Spoon the fruit into the baked tart shells and pour the custard over the top each, making sure not to overfill. Transfer the tarts into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the custard is set. Sprinkle each tart with some granulated sugar and torch with a blow torch to caramelize.
• For the mascarpone: Mix together the mascarpone, vanilla extract and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• For the brown sugar caramel: Cut the butter into pats. Add the brown sugar and lemon juice into a medium sauté pan. Turn on the heat to medium and cook until it starts to get syrupy, thick and bubbly. Add the heavy cream and swirl the pan to combine. Whisk in one pat of butter at a time. Add the dark rum and bring back to a boil to cook off the alcohol.
• To serve, spoon some of the brown sugar caramel sauce onto the bottom of the plate. Place the tart on top followed by a dollop some of the mascarpone over the tarts. Garnish with the remaining toasted almonds.

GOOSEBERRY-BLUEBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Pick through and rinse gooseberries and blueberries, removing stems and leaves and discarding any bad berries.
• Add the lemon juice and water to a medium saucepan.
• Over medium heat, slowly add the sugar to the lemon and water, whisking as you go, until the sugar-water mixture is smooth. If necessary, you can add a bit more water.
• Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Just don't keep heating it, because you'll end up with caramel - in this case, not good! And yes, I've done it.
• Add the gooseberries, and cook (keeping the heat at medium) for about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the blueberries (and the nutmeg, if using).
• Bring the mixture to a boil, and allow to boil for about 5 - 10 minutes until thickened.Tip: How do you tell it's the right consistency? Do the spoon text. Dip a cold metal spoon into the mixture, and pull it out sideways. If the mixture drips off in one stream, it's not ready. When the mixture drips off in two drips, it's close. Then the two drips begin to form a sheet, it's ready! Keep in mind it'll keep thickening up after it cools.
• Allow to cool a bit, then pour into jars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.