Justine has a lemon tree in her front garden. I dragged a chair out there a week or so ago and picked a bag full. I've made lemon curd and today i made a lemon tart.
I used to make dozens of these each week when i worked as a pastry chef but haven't made one in quite a while. I must say, the recipe is the best i've ever used, it's pretty foolproof and the pastry is so light.
Justine and Sime and our next door neighbours had a share. It's a pity you don't live closer Simon and Mo :) Would i be rubbing it in if i told you how delicious it was??
Sweet Pastry
500g plain flour
300g unsalted butter
200g icing sugar
80g egg yolks
Mix flour and butter to breadcrumbs. In a seperate bowl mix the icing sugar and egg yolks then add to the breadcrumb mix. Combine, wrap in clingfilm or paper and refridgerate or freeze until needed.
Lemon Tart Mix
300ml lemon juice
1pt double cream
300g caster sugar
6 egg yolks
4 eggs
Reduce the lemon juice by 1/3. Add the sugar and disolve. Warm the cream and mix together with the lemon mix. Whisk mix onto eggs. Strain through a sieve.
Making the tart
Line your tart ring with the pastry leaving the pastry hanging over the edge, this stops it from slipping into the ring. This pastry is very soft so you must work quickly. Refridgerate for about 30 minutes. Blind bake in a 180c oven. I usually weigh the pastry down with paper and beans. If any holes have appeared in the pastry fill them in with scraps of pastry and bake again. You can also brush the inside with egg wash to fill any tiny holes.
Turn your oven down to 120c leaving the door ajar to cool. Pour mix into the shell and bake for about 40 minutes. Keep checking after 30 minutes by giving the tray a slight shake. The tart is ready when it is set but the centre wobbles slightly. Cool and place in the fridge until cold. Trim the excess pastry from the edge and use a hot sharp knife to slice. You can dust with icing sugar and glaze if you like.
Let me know if you try it.
PS. With the leftover pastry you can make biscuits. I'll be bringing some with me tomorrow Jo :)
