Hudson Valley Lavender Tart

A Brief History of Lavender in Cooking

Lavender, a beloved herb known for its beautiful purple hue and enchanting fragrance, has a storied history that traces back to the ancient times. Native to the Mediterranean, lavender was used by Greeks and Romans for its aromatic properties and was considered a holy herb. Over the centuries, French and English culinary traditions embraced lavender for both sweet and savory dishes.

The Hudson Valley Lavender Tart draws inspiration from these rich traditions, infusing a touch of aromatic lavender botanicals into classic pastry techniques. Not only is this tart a feast for the senses, but it also showcases the beauty and versatility of the herb in modern cuisine.

Ingredients

• Flour - 1 1/2 cups
• Butter - 1/2 cup, chilled
• Powdered Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried Culinary Lavender - 2 teaspoons
• Egg - 1 large
• Heavy Cream - 1 cup
• Honey - 1/4 cup
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh Blueberries - 1 cup

Preparation

Step 1: Making the Tart Crust

To begin, prepare your workspace and gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and dried lavender. Pulse to mix these dry ingredients. Next, add the chilled butter, cut into small cubes, and process until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

Add the egg to the processor and pulse until the dough begins to clump together. Gather the dough and form it into a disk, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Baking the Tart Shell

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess, and prick the bottom with a fork. Line the shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Preparing the Lavender Cream Filling

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and dried lavender and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes to allow the lavender to infuse. Strain and discard the lavender. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract into the cream and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assembling the Tart

Pour the lavender-infused cream filling into the cooled tart shell. Carefully scatter fresh blueberries over the top, ensuring an even distribution across the surface for a visually appealing presentation.

Cooking Process

Step 5: Baking the Lavender Tart

Place the filled tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Keep an eye on the tart to prevent the crust from over-browning. Once done, remove it from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

Set a timer to ensure precise cooking times.

How to Enjoy Hudson Valley Lavender Tart

The Hudson Valley Lavender Tart is best enjoyed when shared. Serve slices at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of dry white wine to enhance the delicate floral notes of the tart. Embrace the aromatic experience as the subtle essence of lavender complements the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries. Delight in this unique dessert during a sunny afternoon gathering or as the perfect end to an elegant dinner.