Citrus Aurore Tarts

Introduction

The Citrus Aurore Tart is a refreshing and sophisticated dessert that captures the essence of citrus with a touch of elegance. This tart, noted for its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, is not only a delight to the palate but also a feast for the eyes. The term "Aurore" evokes the concept of dawn, suggesting the refreshing and awakening qualities of this citrus-infused dessert. With roots tracing back to classic French pastry making, the tart has a crisp crust paired with a rich, aromatic citrus curd, resulting in a harmonious balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

• Flour – 250g
• Butter – 125g, cold and cubed
• Sugar – 50g
• Egg – 1 large, plus 1 yolk
• Orange Zest – from 1 orange
• Orange Juice – 150ml
• Lemon Zest – from 1 lemon
• Lemon Juice – 50ml
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 2 tablespoons
• Condensed Milk – 200ml

Preparation

Step 1: Making the pastry crust

Begin by preparing the pastry crust. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add cubed butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and a little cold water, mixing it until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the citrus filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare the citrus filling. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, and lemon zest. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat while stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk.

Step 3: Assembling the tarts

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough and line the tartlet tins, pressing the dough gently into the corners. Prick the bases with a fork. Line each with parchment paper and fill with baking beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool slightly before filling each tartlet shell with the citrus filling.

Step 4: Baking and serving

Return the filled tartlets to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the filling is set. Allow the tarts to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, the Citrus Aurore Tarts are ready to serve. They can be enjoyed plain or with a garnish of fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider using a cooking timer to ensure each stage is perfectly timed.

Enjoying Your Citrus Aurore Tarts

The culmination of bright citrus flavors blended harmoniously with a buttery crust makes the Citrus Aurore Tart a perfect end to any meal. Its refreshing quality makes it an ideal choice for a summer dessert or a spring brunch. Pair it with a chilled glass of dessert wine or a robust espresso to enhance the tasting experience.