The Ultimate Makeover Lemon Tart Recipes

THE ULTIMATE LEMON TART

Steps:

• To make the pastry, combine the butter, icing sugar, flour and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor.
• Pulse until the mixture resembles rough bread crumbs.
• Add the egg yolks and with the blender running, pour in the water, spoon by spoon until the mixture comes together in a ball.
• Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface and shape into 2 discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 15 minutes.
• Pre-heat the oven to 180°c. Roll the chilled pastry out on a floured surface and press into 2x 28cm tart cases.
• Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes then remove the baking paper and baking beans and return the pastry back to the oven for another 10 minutes to finish baking.
• Remove and set aside while you make the filling. Turn the oven down to 100°c.
• For the filling, heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan until small bubbles appear around the edge of the pan, do not allow to boil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
• When the cream is hot, slowly pour into the eggs, whilst continuously whisking.
• Pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest and mix well.
• Strain the mixture into a jug and carefully pour into the baked tart cases.
• Bake the tart for 50 minutes until the edges are set and the centre is still slightly jiggly.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before placing in the fridge to cool completely.
• When you are ready to serve, slice the tart and serve with a dusting of icing sugar.

THE ULTIMATE MAKEOVER: LEMON TART

Steps:

• Rub the butter into the flour until the mix looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the icing sugar, then make a well and use a round-bladed knife to stir in the oil, egg yolk and 1½-2 tbsp cold water until dough comes together. Without overhandling, gather into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll out so it fits a 23 x 2cm loose-bottom flan tin. Ease the pastry into the tin, then trim the edges by rolling the rolling pin over the top. Press the pastry into the flutes so it sits very slightly proud of the edge (this extra height helps in case of any shrinkage). Lightly prick the pastry base with a fork, then chill for about 10 mins. Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
• Meanwhile, make the filling. Beat the eggs and egg whites together with a wooden spoon until well mixed. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, then gradually beat in the eggs. If the mix is at all lumpy, simply beat with a wire whisk. Stir in the lemon zest and the juice. Leave to stand so the lemon flavour can develop.
• Sit the chilled pastry case on a baking sheet. Line with baking parchment and baking beans and bake blind for 20 mins until well set. Carefully lift out the beans and paper, then bake the pastry case for another 3-5 mins until the base is cooked and pale golden.
• Strain the lemon mixture through a sieve. Beat the crème fraîche in a medium bowl until smooth, then slowly stir in the lemon mix until well blended. Transfer to a jug, then carefully pour two thirds into the warm pastry case. Place in the oven with the oven shelf half out, pour in the rest of the filling, then carefully slide the shelf back in. Reduce the heat to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Bake for 25-30 mins until barely set with a slight wobble in the middle. Cool for about 1 hr, then serve with a light dusting of icing sugar. Best eaten the same day.