THE MENUS IN MY PREMIUM AREA
If I were to host three dinner parties this autumn, these are the menus I’d choose…
Three opportunities to get together around a lovely table.
MENU No. 2 — A Thursday evening
What an idea! I’ve invited some friends round on Thursday evening for a proper dinner.
Crispy savoury puff pastry · Poultry with tarragon · Chocolate & orange
How about we finally took the time to entertain guests?
Pears, chanterelles & hazelnuts · Roast lamb · Autumn pavlova
MENU No. 15 — An evening with a difference
How about we do something a bit out of the ordinary tonight?
Autumn Cappuccino · Salmon in a golden coating · Chocolate & pear
For each menu: the recipes, the shopping list and my plan of action to organise everything in advance.
Your guests are seated.
You too.
Express fruit crisp tart (traditional method & Thermomix)
Description
This express crisp tart is ideal when you want an elegant dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The pastry can be prepared in advance (homemade or bought ready-made), and the final assembly takes just two minutes. The fillings are endless: seasonal fruit, homemade compote, cherries, rhubarb... a real all-rounder!
Ingredients
Instructions
- TRADITIONAL METHOD
Preparation - traditional method
1. Prepare the puff pastry (if homemade) :
o Mix the flour, frozen butter, water and salt quickly to obtain a shortbread dough with visible pieces of butter.
o Roll out into a rectangle (4-5 mm), fold into 3-4 layers, turn and repeat. Shape into a snail, wrap and leave to rest in a cool place for 30 min before use.
2. Baking the pastry :
o Roll out the pastry on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
o Make a 1 cm incision in the edge (without cutting through) and draw a light grid in the centre to prevent the pastry from puffing up.
o Brush with egg yolk and bake at 180°C for around 15 minutes. Leave to cool.
3. Topping: Mix the mascarpone, yoghurt, lemon zest and juice, vanilla sugar and a drizzle of honey. Chill in the fridge.
4. Assembly: Spread the cream over the cooled pastry and arrange the fresh fruit or compote. Serve immediately.
THERMOMIX® METHOD
Preparation - Thermomix
1. Express puff pastry: Place the flour, frozen butter, water and salt in the bowl and knead for 30 sec / mixer mode. Take the pastry out, shape it quickly, fold as indicated above and leave to rest in the fridge for 30 mins before baking.
2. Cooking: Roll out and prepare the pastry as for the traditional method, then bake for 15 min at 180 °C.
3. Cream: In the Thermomix bowl, insert the whisk attachment and blend the mascarpone, yoghurt, lemon, vanilla sugar and honey for 10 sec / speed 2.5. Set aside in the fridge.
4. Finishing: Spread the cream over the cooled pastry and add the fruit or compote. Serve immediately.
