Hokkaido Harvest Tarte
Introduction
The Hokkaido Harvest Tarte is a delightful dessert that highlights the wonderful flavors of fall. Originating from the picturesque island of Hokkaido in Japan, this tarte makes use of the region's famous produce, particularly the flavorful pumpkins grown in abundance during the autumn season. Hokkaido is renowned for its dairy products and fresh produce, which makes this dessert a true representation of the island's bounty.
Hokkaido pumpkins are known for their rich, sweet taste and vibrant orange color. These qualities make them perfect for baking and sweet applications. With the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg, the tarte pays homage to the warming spices often used in fall desserts, creating a harmony of flavors that evoke the comforting feelings of the season.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin - 500g, peeled and diced
- Sugar - 150g
- All-purpose flour - 250g
- Unsalted butter - 125g, chilled and diced
- Egg - 1
- Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon
- Heavy cream - 100ml
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Water - 2-3 tablespoons
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Start by making the pastry crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter, and using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the water gradually and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Cook the pumpkin in a saucepan with a splash of water until tender. Mash it to a smooth consistency. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pumpkin purée.
Assembling the Tarte
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and line a tart tin. Trim any excess dough. Blind bake the shell by lining it with parchment paper and filling it with rice or beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden. Pour the filling into the baked shell and bake again for 25-30 minutes until set.
Please set your timer to ensure perfect baking.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the tarte to cool to room temperature before slicing. The Hokkaido Harvest Tarte pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, enhancing its creamy texture and spicy flavor profile. Savor each mouthful with a hot cup of black coffee or fragrant green tea to complement its sweet, warming spices.
And there you have it—a dessert that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also evokes the enchanting essence of Hokkaido in the fall.