Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups of fresh European cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tart Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of ice water.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the food processor while pulsing. Continue pulsing until the dough comes together. If needed, add a little more ice water.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. It should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
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Line the Tart Pan:
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess.
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Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the European cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Toss to coat the cherries evenly.
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Assemble the Tart:
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the tart crust.
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Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbly.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cherry tart to cool in the pan for a bit before removing it from the tart pan. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.
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Optional Garnish:
- You can dust the tart with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.