Tuesday, August 24, 2010

TWD: Crunchy and Custardy Peach Tart



For some reason, baking in the summer is a challenge for me. The kids are out of school and we're running around a lot. It is hotter than Hades here (we're going on 50+ straight days of temperatures near or above 100 degrees). Air conditioning does not work (I mean, it technically works, but I keep waving my hands over the vent to make sure cold air is really coming out -- it is, but is no match for what nature is dishing out). In these circumstances, I sometimes balk at the thought of cranking up the oven for mere recreational purposes. That said, my favorite dessert of all time may very well be the Summer Fruit Gallette, which was covered by TWD right before I joined. So I know that summer baking (baking in the summer and/or the baking of summer fruit) can be so very worth it.

I've had my eye on this tart, to put it mildly. In fact, I initially picked it for my TWD selection when I was up back in June. But then I started fretting that the peaches would not be in prime form in as early as late May, when TWDers would actually be making it. I polled friends who are more familiar with the peach cycle than I am, determined that late May/early June was indeed too early to count on great peaches, and emailed Laurie back with Plan B. Then I prayed that someone with a July or August pick would come through with the Crunchy and Custardy Peach Tart. Thankfully, Rachel did. Rachel, you are my hero.

The tart begins with Dorie's trusty sweet tart dough. Top with peaches, an easy custard, and an almond struesel topping. Try not to burn the almond streusel topping, as I did, but know that even if you do, the tart will still be wonderful. Such is the magic of a Dorie dessert -- it's so otherwordly delicious that a few minor (or major) mistakes can't hurt it!



Thanks for the perfect summer pick, Rachel!

13 comments:

Audrey said...

Oh, yay, I've missed you! If I had ONE day over 100 degrees I would put a padlock on my kitchen, never mind my oven. But I've been ogling these tarts on everyone's blogs and I really want to try it. Maybe even this week, when we're going from 68 to 85 to 75 to 85 to 90 to ...

natalia said...

Ciao Cathy ! How I uderstand you !!! We do not eve have air conditioning and rome is so Humid !! I love your posts I come here always greedy for them (?) Hot Baci

Jessica said...

I hear you on the AC! It's working, but it seems as though nothing is a match for the hot air that surrounds everything! Your tart looks like it was worth turning on the oven even on a hot summer day. I have been going about my life clueless as to the goodness of the summer fruit gallette. I've paused on the recipe before, but now I have to make it soon! Thanks for that bit of wisdom!

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

Glad you made this even with the ridiculous heat! You tart looks perfect!

Di said...

Looks great, Cathy! I hear you on the air-conditioning. My thermostat is set to 70, but the a/c can't get the temp down below 75 downstairs, and it's got to be at least 80 upstairs. It's pretty bad when I'm sitting here today thinking that 93 (the current temp outside) feels downright cool! (compared to the 105 from yesterday)

Nancy/n.o.e said...

The galette was one of my first TWD recipes, and boy was that thing tasty! I'm so glad for your sake that the tart got picked this summer, and that you were not disappointed. Good summer fruit baked goods are hard to beat. And so is this year's crazy summer heat!!

TeaLady said...

It has been HOT this summer. Thank goodness for AC. Glad you made the sacrifice and made the tart because it was really Tasty.

And it looks perfectly delicious.

TeaLady said...

BTW miss you on Twitter.

Leslie said...

I wouldn't turn down a slice of that tart to be sure. It looks irresistible.

You poor thing! That weather sounds awful! We were having the longest spring until a couple of days ago, when it shot up to 100 for two days. Today will be a more average 82.

Katrina said...

I'm glad you made and liked the tart. I kind of screwed up the struesel, too, but that tart was still great.
(I just finished the last little sliver today and I think it was better than the day I made it.))

The Blonde Duck said...

That tart looks magnificent!

Beth said...

Your tart looks amazing! I'm glad you could ignore the heat for a little while to bake this.

Kayte said...

Yeah, it looks great and delicious, and I really should make this. I have purchased peaches three times to make it, in fact. We just always manage to eat the peaches before they make it into the tart. Sigh...maybe one of these days. So, is it hot there? ;-)

 
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