Arctic Berry Tundra Tart

About the Arctic Berry Tundra Tart

Native to the regions where the Arctic Circle wraps its frosty fingers around the earth, the Arctic Berry Tundra Tart encapsulates the flavors of a landscape often misunderstood. This tart traces its origins to the indigenous people of these icy lands, who discovered the abundance of cloudberries and lingonberries flourishing during the brief but bountiful summers.

Cloudberries are adored for their amber hue and unique taste, reminiscent of a milder raspberry with the tangy kick of citrus. The lingonberries, vibrant and bright, contribute their sweet-sour medley to this traditional dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 3/4 cup of cold butter
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of cloudberries
• 1 cup of lingonberries
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Making the Pastry

Begin by creating a beautifully flaky pastry crust that will cradle the tart filling. In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter, diced into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

In another bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Berry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cloudberries and lingonberries. Stir in the honey and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Dissolve the cornstarch in two tablespoons of water, then slowly add to the berry mixture, stirring constantly until the filling thickens. Allow to cool before use.

Assembly and Cooking Process

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan, trimming any excess. Pour the cooled berry filling into the crust, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Baking the Tart

Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden, and the filling bubbly. Use your cooking timer to prevent overcooking. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

Enjoying the Arctic Berry Tundra Tart

This tart is best enjoyed as a serene conclusion to a hearty meal. Its unique blend of the cloudberries and lingonberries provides a refreshing lightness that pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you share it with friends, or indulge in it alone, each bite of the Arctic Berry Tundra Tart is a taste of a landscape untouched.