Tarte Normande

8 Servings

Ingredients:

For the tart dough:
6 TBS unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 cup flour
1/8 tsp salt

For the filling:
4 medium apples, about 1 1/2 lbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 TBS granulated or raw can sugar, for finishing there tart
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 TBS calvados

Directions:
Make the tart dough by mixing the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low-to-medium speed, until combined, about 1 minute (but do not whip). Add the egg yolk and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Mix in the flow and salt on low speed, until the dough comes together. If necessary, add a sprinkle of water if the dough feels too dry. Don't over mix it (you can stop the mixer before the dough is done and mix it by hand, to avoid overtaxing).

Shape the dough into a disk and place in the center of a 9-inch removable bottom tart pan. Use the heel of your hand, and fingers, to press the dough across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, getting it as even as possible. Refrigerate or freeze the dough until ready to use.

To bake the tart, preheat the oven to 350º. Peel and core the apples, and cut them in eighths. Place the slices in concentric circles in the unbaked tart shell.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 cup sugar, along with the vanilla extract and salt. Whisk in the heavy cream and calvados, until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the filling over the apples in the tart dough. Sprinkle the top with 2 TBS of sugar and bake the tart until deep golden brown on top, about 45 to 50 minutes (I usually cook over an hour). Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Serving:
Serve the tart warm or at room temperature. Normally tarts like this are served on their own. It is best enjoyed the day it's made. It can be kept up to 3 days but does not improve.

Notes:
You can substitute the Calvados with another apple brandy. You can use brandy, Cognac, or dark rum. If avoiding alcohol, omit the brandy and double the vanilla extract, although the tart gets its name, and flavor, from the brandy, so the tart will be different.

Source: David Lebovitz

Moroccan Lamb Rub

Ingredients:
3 tsp ground bay leaves
6 black peppercorns
4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground clove
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp ground ginger
4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cayenne pepper
sea salt

Directions:
Grind bay leaves and peppercorns together in a mortar and pestle or in a mini processor. Add all the remaining herbs and spices, including a generous mix of sea salt, and mix thoroughly.

Source: Keep It Seasonal by Annie Wayte

Mom's Christmas Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped pecans
6 TBS balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
2 avocados
3 quarts bite size pieces, rinsed, romaine lettuce
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 can sliced black olives, drained
1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup slivered fresh basil leaves
salt & pepper

Directions:
In a frying pan over medium high heat, stir or shake pecans frequently until toasted, about 3 minutes. Pour into a large bowl; add vinegar, olive oil, and sesame oil. Pit and peel avocados; cut into 1/2 inch chunks and add to bowl. Add lettuce, mushrooms, red onion, olives, cheese and basil. Mix and add salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Mom