One of the best things about summer is visiting the produce market. There's nothing quite like fresh strawberries and blueberries and all the other delicious fruits we have to choose from. I buy strawberries by the case. Well, not really the case, but I do buy the big ole' container that's half as big as a laundry basket. Mario and I sit on the couch and eat a bowl of them every morning while watching Curious George. (which I love, by the way. Really.) So, since my sweet tooth is still ever-present with no end in site, I thought I'd take advantage of the fruits of the season and bake some fruit tartlets!
If you're inspired, here's the recipe. I found it in a recent issue of a magazine. I can't remember which one. It was part of an article about Allysa Torey of Magnolia Bakery fame.
For the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter eight 3-inch tart pans. (I found these at A.C. Moore)
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 2/3 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2/3 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans and 1/3 cup unpacked brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into tart pans. Place the pans on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, remove the crusts from the pans ever so gently.
For Filling:
With an electric mixer set on low speed, beat 1 lb.softened cream cheese and 1 cup confectioners' sugar until soft and creamy. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Beat well until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill the filling for about one hour. Fill tartlet shells with this mixture and decorate with berries and other fruits of the season. Enjoy!
They look so beautiful (and delicious). I think people often forget just how good nectarines are, so it's nice to see them grace your tartlets! :)
Posted by: Laura | July 20, 2007 at 12:42 AM
mmmmmm - they lookk yummy.
Posted by: dawn | July 20, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Wow those look good. I love fruit tarts and this recipe looks so simple, I know I'll be making them more often but I doubt they'll be as beautiful as yours! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Grace | July 20, 2007 at 10:15 AM
Thanks for that recipe. It looks heavenly! A favorite Italian cafe that we frequent has a tart just like those. He makes them with ricotta cheese.
I will have to try these.
Have a great weekend!
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | July 20, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Yummmmm! They look so scrumptious, I can't wait to try them! Thank you for the recipe!
Christy
Posted by: Christy | July 20, 2007 at 11:52 AM
i hosey the middle one! i saved that article, love alyssa tory. my sister and brother-in-law are coming next week and thought we'd make them - hope they come out as sweet as yours! xo
Posted by: heidi | July 20, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Yum! So pretty!
Posted by: Deanna (domestic chicky) | July 20, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Scrumptious is the only word to describe them!!!!
Posted by: Sophiehoneysuckle | July 20, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Yummy! I gonna have to try these. Thanks for the heads up on the tart pans too. I just found a local farm with great produce.
Posted by: Nerissa | July 20, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Yum! Those look mouth watering delicious...
Posted by: Flea Market Queen | July 21, 2007 at 01:00 AM
Those are so pretty, it's almost a shame to eat them! And I'm with you on Curious George. It's such a sweet show. "If either one of us spoke dachshund, I bet this wouldn't have been a surprise!" Heh. That makes me laugh every time I see that episode :-)
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | July 21, 2007 at 11:28 AM