Pear Tarte Tatin

Recipe 

Classic Tarte Tatin: Swapping Apples for Pears

Although the classic French Tarte Tatin is usually made with sweet apples, I prefer crisp pears as they aren’t quite as sweet, yet caramelize in the same way. Frozen puff pastry makes this a snap to put together. Using a nonstick, ovenproof frying pan makes unmolding the tart incredibly easy as well: No sticking and no mess, and the pears will unmold in a perfect pattern.

Makes one 9-inch tart

Ingredients

¾ cup tightly packed light brown sugar

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

5 large firm pears, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters

1 piece frozen puff pastry (see Note), thawed

Whipped cream, crème fraîche, frozen vanilla yogurt, or caramel ice cream, for

serving, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

2. Combine the sugar and ¼ cup cold water in an 8-inch nonstick, ovenproof frying pan

3. Over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. 

4. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Allow to cook at a gentle boil, without stirring, for about 6 minutes or until a golden syrup has formed. 

5. Stir in the butter and cook, stirring, until well blended.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully arrange the pear quarters, cut sides facing up, in a slightly overlapping circle in the caramel.

7. Lightly flour a clean, flat work surface. Place the pastry onto the floured surface and, using a rolling pin, roll the pastry out to a shape large enough to cut out a circle about 9 inches in diameter.

 8. Using a pastry wheel or pairing knife, cut out the circle and place it over the pears. 

9. Fold the excess edge under to enclose the fruit. Using a paring knife, cut at least 4 slits in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape.

10. Bake the tarte for about 35 minutes or until the pastry has puffed and is golden brown. 

11. Let cool on a wire rack to set for about 5 minutes.
 Using a small, sharp knife, loosen the edges from the pan and then place the serving platter over the pan and carefully invert the tart onto it. 

12. Remove the pan. 

13. Serve warm, with a topping of choice if you like.

Note: Both Trader Joe’s and Dufour make excellent frozen puff pastry. The first is, obviously,

available at Trader Joe’s markets; Dufour is available at many supermarkets and specialty food stores as well as online.