Yarra Valley Cherry Drizzle Tart

Experience the delightful fusion of flavors with our Yarra Valley Cherry Drizzle Tart. This delectable dessert hails from the picturesque Yarra Valley, renowned for its fertile soil and exquisite cherry orchards. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy winter dessert, this tart encapsulates the essence of the region's produce, bringing a slice of Yarra Valley right to your table.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Butter - 1 cup, chilled
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Water (cold) - 1/4 cup
• Cherries - 3 cups, pitted and halved
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon
• Almonds - 1/2 cup, sliced
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Heavy Cream - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 1, beaten

Preparation

Making the Tart Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter, cut into small cubes.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly add the cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the cherries start to release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Stir in the cornstarch, cooking for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assembling the Tart

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
3. Carefully place the rolled dough into the tart pan, pressing evenly along the bottom and sides. Trim excess.
4. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust, spreading evenly.
5. Sprinkle the almonds over the top of the filling.

Cooking Instructions

Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the almonds are toasted. Keep an eye on the tart to prevent over-browning. If needed, cover the edges with foil.

Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. Drizzle with the vanilla-cream sauce prepared by gently heating heavy cream and adding vanilla.

Enjoying Your Tart

This Yarra Valley Cherry Drizzle Tart can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Perfect for dinner parties or a special family treat, it captures the aromatic flavors of the region.

For best practices, use a cooking timer to ensure each step is perfectly timed.