Cherry Pistachio Meringue Tart

Cherry Meringue Tart-0048-by Meeta K. Wolff

To me it never really feels like summer until cherries arrive in the markets. Cherries announce the beginning of the stone-fruit season and for me this kicks-off my favorite fruit season of the year. For a short time cherries are the stars before apricots, peaches and plums arrive and take over front row.

But in that brief period, cherries bring so many pleasures - fresh, juicy sweet, blood-red jewels of pleasure and nothing beats a giant bowl of cherries bursting with flavor. As much as we enjoy eating the cherries straight out of the bowl, I love creating desserts and cakes with them to enjoy them in a different fashion.

Cherry On Black-0004-by Meeta K. WolffCherry Meringue Tart-0037-by Meeta K. Wolff

This tart somehow marks the end of my cherry season. There might still be a few available but they are becoming scarcer – they have to give way to the plums and mirabelles. Seems fitting, as the summer comes to an end, to say goodbye with a luscious tart. It has been an eventful summer and we have been enjoying the last few days relaxing and taking it easy at home.

Besides 3 weeks in India, the kid got braces, got his first mobile phone and turned thirteen just before he started school as an 8th grader. Having a teenager in the house is going to be fun. I have received all the warnings and helpful tips and gotten “that look” on several occasions. You know that look where people form an “o” with their mouths, sucking in the air with eyebrows raised. Even if there are no words that are exchanged, that look serves the purpose of several phrases.

Cherry Meringue Tart-0034 by Meeta K. WolffCherry on Black-0009-by Meeta K. WolffCherry Meringue Tart-0041 by Meeta K. Wolff

We are doing pretty well so far. I keep expecting all those words of warnings to become a reality soon, especially as we have already had a few of the pre-teen tantrums surface on a few occasions. I am having fun in this new phase though as I have precise memories of my teenage years. We are in a new century now – it was the 80s back then – but discovering this new stage with him promises to be adventurous and riveting.

So while we peel each layer as we get to it we relish every bit of sweetness and savor the tartness. It’s all part of growing up – isn’t it? As for tarts – this one is of the sweetest kind – soft pillows of meringue, over boozy and syrupy cherries on flaky pastry. The perfect dessert for any stage of life.

Cherry on Black-0028 by Meeta K. Wolff

Recipe: Cherry Pistachio Meringue Tart

By

Prep Time:
Total Time:
Serves: 6

 

Ingredients

    For the shortcrust pastry
  • 225g all-purpose flour
  • 100g butter, cold and diced
  • Pinch of salt
    For the filling
  • 40g pistachio nuts, toasted
  • 800g sweet cherries, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon brandy
  • 300g caster sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Muscovado sugar
  • 6 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped


Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. For the shortcrust pastry, sieve the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  3. Sprinkle in the salt, then add 2-3 tablespoons water and mix to a firm dough. Knead the dough briefly and gently on a floured surface. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thick. Line a 25cm diameter flat tart pan. Press the pastry in firmly and leave the excess hanging over the edge. Prick with a fork, then line with baking paper and fill with baking weights or uncooked beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and weights/beans and bake for a further 8-10 minutes until golden.
  4. Place the pitted cherries in a saucepan, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and drizzle the brandy. On a medium heat bring everything to a boil then reduce to low and gently simmer until thick and syrupy.
  5. Whisk egg whites in an electric mixer to soft peaks. With the motor running, add remaining 300g sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing each to be incorporated before adding the next, until stiff and glossy. Add vinegar and vanilla seeds, then whisk briefly to combine.
  6. With a slotted spoon spread the cherries on the tart base. Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm plain nozzle and pipe over the cherries. Alternatively, spoon meringue over cherries.
  7. Place the tart on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until the meringue tops are golden. Scatter with toasted pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Verdict

Cherry Meringue Tart-0050-by Meeta K. Wolff

Hope you are having an exceptional summer too. We’ve still got very warm temperatures and it hardly feelings like September but I already see the pumpkins, parsnips, plums and blackberries all next to each other at the markets - tell-tale signs that autumn is almost here. My tomato and zucchini harvest has been magnificent again and my kitchen is overflowing with produce for jams, chutneys and sauces.

Dubai Food Photography & Styling Workshops

Coming up this October I am tempting you to join my for and awesome 2-day workshop in Dubai, UAE. We had a cancellation and now have a slot to offer - 2-days intensive and hands-on. Register while it’s hot!

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DUBAI, UAE
7th - 8th October 2015

Details & Registrations!
More details on the upcoming and past workshops here

If you liked my cherry tart I am sure you will like these cherry treats from my friends:

You might like these cherry ideas from What’s for lunch, Honey?:

Cherry Roasted Almond Marzipan (0047) by Meeta K. Wolff Dark Chocolate Cherry and Tahini Clafoutis (0025) by MeetaK Matcha Cherry Ice Cream (0002) by MeetaK
Cherry and Roasted Almond Marzipan Tart Dark Chocolate Cherry and Tahini Clafoutis Matcha Cherry Swirl Ice Cream


All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2015 Meeta Khurana Wolff unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First

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12 comments:

  1. Being a teenager is tough and I bet it is even tougher for the parents... ;-)

    A delightful tart!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rosa! Yes I know how tough it was - but I a, looking forward to the phase!

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  2. Ah sweet 13... I am sure I was a complete nightmare at that age, but I kind of feel Soeren might just cruise through it all without issues. Now this tart looks just absolutely perfect!

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    Replies
    1. LOL! You a nightmare? I cannot imagine that. I hope you are right - funnily a few of his teachers have mentioned the same thing about him. You need to come over so we can spend time cooking and chatting!

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  3. Cherry season really is the best season! This tart looks like a perfect use for them :) Love the toasty meringue dollops too!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you fellow cherry lover :) Glad you liked this one.

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  4. I really like cherries and eating meringues! I love making meringues, patterns, luscious shine and sweetness. I think this tart is a winner! R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Thanks - I love cherries and meringues too. I hope you get around to making the tart as your cherry season still lies ahead of you!

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  5. Cherries are so photogenic, isn't? I also love Meringues but never made it :) Is it super hard to make it?

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  6. You are such a temptress! I adore cherries. And meringue. AND puddings!

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  7. Oh, this is just perfect, this week I`ll host garden party so I think I can do that and blow everyone mind :) It looks so delicious :) Thank you

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  8. I am waiting for some winter tarts and cakes, darling. Are you going to give us some recipes for upcoming Christmas season? I tried this recipe, it is AMAZING! Cherries and pistachios are absolute best friends. This recipe is perfect for spring season :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta