🥧 Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart 🍏
Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples and pecans with a zing of ginger, all nestled in a flaky tart crust. This tart is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a favorite during the fall season and holiday gatherings.
📜 History:
The history of this particular tart is not widely documented, but apple tarts have a long history in European and American cuisine. Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years, and they have been used in various baked goods since medieval times. The addition of ginger and pecans likely adds a unique twist to the classic apple tart.
🥧 Components:
- Tart Crust: Typically made with flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt, this crust provides a buttery and flaky base for the filling.
- Apple Filling: Sliced apples, often mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and ginger, create the sweet and spiced core of the tart.
- Ginger Syrup: A mixture of fresh or ground ginger, sugar, and water, which adds a spicy kick and sweetness.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Egg Wash: Used to brush the crust for a golden finish.
📝 Steps to Prepare Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart:
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Prepare the Tart Crust:
- Combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water gradually until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Make the Ginger Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine fresh or ground ginger, sugar, and water.
- Simmer until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Let it cool.
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Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.
- Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and a few tablespoons of the ginger syrup.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently into the corners.
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Assemble the Tart:
- Arrange the ginger-infused apple slices in an overlapping pattern within the tart crust.
- Drizzle some of the ginger syrup over the apples.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
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Bake and Enjoy:
- Brush the crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the apples are tender.
- Let it cool before serving.
⏰ Total Time:
Preparation time for Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart may vary, but you can expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including prep and baking time. It’s a perfect dessert to impress your family and friends, especially during the autumn season when apples are at their best. Enjoy! 🍂🍽️😊
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Around 300-350 calories per serving (varies based on serving size).
- Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving.
- Saturated Fat: About 6-8 grams per serving.
- Cholesterol: Typically less than 50 mg per serving.
- Sodium: Usually less than 200 mg per serving.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams per serving.
- Dietary Fiber: Typically 3-5 grams per serving.
- Sugars: Varies based on sugar used for filling, around 20-25 grams per serving.
- Protein: About 3-5 grams per serving.
Health Information:
- Moderate Calories: Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart provides a moderate amount of calories per serving, making it suitable as an occasional dessert.
- Moderate Fat: The tart contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the butter in the crust and the pecans. While fat is an essential nutrient, it’s best consumed in moderation.
- Sugars: The sugar content comes from both the apple filling and any added sugar in the crust and syrup. It’s important to be mindful of sugar intake as excessive sugar consumption can lead to health issues.
- Fiber: The tart may provide a small amount of dietary fiber from the apples and pecans, contributing to digestive health.
- Nutrient Variability: Keep in mind that the actual nutrition content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Using whole-grain flour or reducing sugar content can make the tart a slightly healthier option.
While Anna’s Apple Ginger Pecan Tart can be enjoyed as a delicious dessert, it’s best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to its sugar and fat content. Additionally, you can make adjustments to the recipe to make it slightly healthier, such as using less sugar or opting for a whole-grain crust.
