Morne Chandeleur Tart

Introduction

The Morne Chandeleur Tart is a culinary delight inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of the French Caribbean islands. Its name loosely translates to "Mount Candle Tart," resonating with the island traditions of celebrating light and indulgence. This tart combines the subtle sweetness of tropical fruits and the rich, buttery flavors of French pastry.

Rooted in both the heritage of French patisserie and the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine, the Morne Chandeleur Tart is more than just a dessert; it's a bridge between two worlds. It's perfect for celebrations, bringing warmth and a touch of elegance to your table.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Unsalted butter - 1 cup, chilled and cubed
• Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
• Eggs - 2, large
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, and passion fruit) - 2 cups, diced
• Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon
• Rum - 2 tablespoons (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Making the Pastry Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add chilled butter, and using a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together one egg and sugar. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine tropical fruits, coconut milk, and cornstarch. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in vanilla extract and rum if using.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Assembling the Tart

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and place it into a tart pan, trimming the edges as necessary.
3. Dock the tart crust using a fork to prevent bubbling. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Brush the crust with a beaten egg to seal and bake for an additional 8 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Fill the tart shell with the prepared fruit filling. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
6. Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the filling is set.

Enjoying the Morne Chandeleur Tart

This tart is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a glass of light dessert wine or a simple brewed tea. The tart's delicate pastry and luscious filling create a multi-sensory experience, allowing you to taste the buttery crust first, followed by the sweet and tangy notes of the tropical fruits.

For an educational touch, consider serving it with a brief story of its origins, opportunities to discuss French Caribbean cuisine, or even a demonstration of how the tropical fruits were transformed into the luscious filling.

When hosting a gathering, the Morne Chandeleur Tart can be the centerpiece of a dessert table, accompanied by other French or Caribbean delicacies such as macarons or coconut flan.