Rustic Cherry Tart with Ricotta and Almonds

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Photo: Chris Court
Prep Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 20 mins
Yield:
10 to 12 Serves

Macerating cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt brings out juices and softens the fruit -- which in turn evens out any inconsistencies in firmness. Scatter them over creamy ricotta and a crisp almond pastry crust. Pass any remaining juices for drizzling.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh ricotta (about 2 cups)

  • Pate Brisee for Rustic Cherry Tart

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or water

  • ¼ cup sanding sugar

  • 3 ounces sliced blanched almonds (about ¾ cup)

  • 1 ¼ pounds ripe or overripe cherries, halved and pitted (about 3 ½ cups)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon very thin strips lemon zest, plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

  • Pinch of coarse salt

Directions

  1. Line a large mesh colander with a triple layer of cheesecloth and place over a larger, deeper bowl. Place ricotta in colander; transfer to refrigerator. Let ricotta drain at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in lower third. Roll out dough into a 12-by-16-inch rectangle (1/8 inch thick) on a piece of parchment. Transfer dough on parchment to a baking sheet; freeze 10 minutes or chill 30 minutes. Stir together egg yolk and cream; brush on dough. Sprinkle with sanding sugar and almonds. Bake until deep golden brown, about 40 minutes. (Tent edges with foil if they begin to overbrown.) Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

  3. Meanwhile, toss together cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.

  4. Just before serving, spread crust with ricotta. Top ricotta with cherry mixture, using a slotted spoon (reserve juices for serving, if desired). Sprinkle tart with lemon zest, cut into squares, and serve immediately.

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