Craft a dessert that's as visually stunning as it is delicious with these Elegant Vanilla Cream Tartelettes. They feature a buttery shortcrust shell filled with smooth vanilla cream, topped with a mix of nuts and fresh berries.
Ingredients:
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 2.1 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 1.4 ounces powdered sugar
- 1 medium egg yolk
- 4.9 ounces all-purpose flour (Type 405)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 16.9 fluid ounces milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 2.1 ounces sugar
- 1.4 ounces cornstarch
- 1 ounce unsalted butter, diced
For the Topping:
- A selection of nuts, chopped
- A variety of fresh berries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Begin the crust by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix in the egg yolk, then gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and divide it into four parts. Press into tartlet molds, prick the bases, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Blind bake the crusts until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool.
- For the filling, heat the milk with the vanilla bean or extract until simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Gradually whisk in the hot milk, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook while constantly whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter pieces.
- Cover the cream with plastic wrap directly on the surface and cool to room temperature.
- Fill the tartlet shells with vanilla cream and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with a blend of chopped nuts and fresh berries.
Enjoy these Tartelettes as a sophisticated end to a meal or a special treat for afternoon tea. They are sure to dazzle any dessert table with their combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures. Bon appétit! 🍓🍰👩🏻🍳
