Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 8 oz. mascarpone di bufala cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4-5 fresh figs, sliced
- 1 tbsp. balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pre-made pie crust on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Place the rolled-out pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone di bufala cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
6. Arrange the sliced figs on top of the mascarpone mixture in a circular pattern.
7. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the figs.
8. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
10. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the top of the tart.
11. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular mascarpone cheese can be used instead of mascarpone di bufala cheese.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
- Fresh mint can be substituted with fresh basil or thyme.
Variations:
- Add sliced almonds or chopped walnuts to the top of the tart for added crunch.
- Use different fruits such as peaches, plums, or berries instead of figs.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mascarpone mixture for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pie crust is pressed firmly into the tart pan to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the figs thinly and evenly.
- Let the tart cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the mascarpone mixture to set.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the tart, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tart on a decorative plate or platter. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
Pairings:
- A glass of red wine such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon
- A cup of coffee or tea
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- If the mascarpone mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the figs thoroughly before slicing and using in the recipe.
- Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Mascarpone di bufala is a type of Italian cheese made from the milk of water buffalo. It is similar in texture to cream cheese and is often used in desserts such as tiramisu. Figs have been cultivated for thousands of years and were a popular fruit in ancient Greece and Rome.
Flavor profiles:
The mascarpone di bufala cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while the honey and balsamic glaze add sweetness. The figs provide a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, and the fresh mint adds a refreshing herbal note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tart as a dessert or as a sweet appetizer at a dinner party.
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Region: Italian