Tarte Tropézienne

Background and History

The Tarte Tropézienne is a famous French dessert, known for its delicate combination of fluffy brioche, rich cream filling, and a sprinkle of sugary sweetness. Despite its deep-rooted association with the French Riviera, particularly the luxurious locale of Saint-Tropez, this dessert has a relatively recent origin story. It was created in the 1950s by Alexandre Micka, a Polish baker who settled in the region. The dessert gained international fame when Brigitte Bardot, the renowned French actress, dubbed it "Tarte de Saint-Tropez" during the filming of "And God Created Woman." Since then, the Tarte Tropézienne has become more than just a dessert; it is an emblem of the Côte d'Azur's culinary tradition.

Ingredients

• Brioche dough
• Milk
• Butter
• Eggs
• Flour
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Orange blossom water
• Heavy cream
• Yeast
• Salt

Preparation

Preparing the Brioche

Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and sugar. Slowly incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Add softened butter gradually, ensuring it's fully absorbed. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Making the Cream Filling

In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla until simmering. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale. Slowly add hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan, stirring over low heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into cooled custard, along with a splash of orange blossom water.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Punch down the brioche dough and shape it into a flat round, placing it onto a baking sheet.
3. Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes to ensure a light texture.
4. Brush the top with a beaten egg for gloss.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
6. Once cooled, slice the brioche horizontally and fill with the cream mixture.
7. Sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness.

Enjoying the Tarte Tropézienne

This delightful Tarte Tropézienne is best enjoyed with a refreshing beverage on a sunny afternoon. Its creamy filling and light brioche base make it a perfect companion for tea or a chilled sparkling wine, adding an air of Riviera elegance to the occasion. Add some seasonal fruits on the side to complement the dessert's subtle citrus notes from the orange blossom water.