Chinon Apple Tarts

Immerse yourself in the charm of this Chinon Apple Tarts recipe, a culinary ode to simplicity and elegance. Hailing from the picturesque Chinon region in France, these tarts are a celebration of the bountiful orchards that grace the landscape. At the heart of this delicacy is a buttery, flaky pastry shell that cradles a divine mixture of thinly sliced Chinon apples.

1. To make the red wine jelly, put the red wine, jam sugar, star anise, clove, cinnamon stick, allspice, split vanilla pod and seeds in a medium saucepan. Stir together, then heat gently to dissolve the sugar. Turn up the heat and boil for 20 mins until reduced and syrupy. Strain into a small, sterilised jam jar and leave to cool completely. Will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
2. Take the pastry out of the fridge and leave at room temperature for 10 mins, then unroll. Heat the grill to high and heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Cut out 2 x 13cm circles of pastry, using a plate as a guide, and place on a non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle each circle with 1 tbsp sugar and grill for 5 mins to caramelise, watching carefully so that the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from the grill. Can be done a few hours ahead, and left, covered, out of the fridge.
3. Peel, quarter and core the apples, cut into 2mm-thin slices and arrange on top of the pastry. Sprinkle over the remaining sugar and pop in the oven for 20-25 mins until the pastry is cooked through and golden, and the apples are softened. Remove and allow to cool slightly. Warm 3 tbsp of the red wine jelly in a small pan over a low heat with 1 tsp water to make it a little more runny, then brush over the top of the tarts.
4. Tip the crème fraîche into a bowl, sift over the icing sugar and cardamom, and mix together. Carefully lift the warm tarts onto serving plates and serve with the cardamom crème fraîche.

More about Chinon Apple Tarts Recipe

The apples, chosen for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, undergo a delicate cooking process that preserves their natural flavors and textures. The result is a harmonious blend of tender apples, enveloped in a subtle layer of sweetness, atop a pastry that shatters delicately with every forkful.

Chinon Apple Tarts embody the art of French pastry-making, where the quality of ingredients and the precision of execution take center stage. Whether enjoyed as a delightful afternoon treat or a refined dessert for special occasions, these tarts transport you to the idyllic landscapes of Chinon with every bite.

As you savor the layers of flaky crust and perfectly arranged apples, you’ll discover the essence of sophistication woven into the fabric of this timeless French pastry. Chinon Apple Tarts are not just a dessert; they’re a culinary experience that captures the spirit of simplicity and indulgence in one delectable package.