Grape Vanilla Tartlets Recipes

GRAPE-VANILLA TARTLETS

Steps:

• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Make the pastry cream: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a paring knife. Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla seeds and pod, and the salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl, then whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, then pour back into the saucepan with the remaining milk; cook over medium-high heat, whisking, until a few bubbles break the surface and the mixture is thick like pudding, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard the vanilla pod. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl; whisk in the butter, then continue whisking until the mixture cools slightly, about 10 minutes. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming; refrigerate until completely cooled, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile make the tartlets: Bake the pastry shells as the label directs; use a fork to remove the centers. Brush the top rim of the shells with the melted butter, sprinkle lightly with the sugar and return to the oven until the sugar is slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer the shells to a rack to cool completely.
• Whisk the jelly, brandy, lemon juice and water in a small skillet until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Spoon the pastry cream into the shells. Top with the grapes and drizzle with the jelly mixture.

CRISP GRAPE TARTS

Steps:

• Cut each phyllo pastry sheet into six squares, about 4 inches each. Layer six squares of phyllo pastry in each of six muffin cups, brushing each layer with butter and placing the corners of the squares to create a petal effect. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes or until phyllo is crisp and lightly browned. Brush bottom of each pastry cup lightly with honey, using about 1 tablespoon among the 6 cups. Remove phyllo cups from muffin pan and cool on baking rack. Toss grapes with liqueur and remaining 2 tablespoons honey. Mix well and let stand 30 minutes.
• Note: You may use whipped cream cheese or prepared vanilla pudding instead of yogurt, if you prefer. Roll remaining phyllo from the purchased package in waxed paper; then in plastic wrap and store according to package recommendation.
• Nutritional Stats: Using yogurt: Calories 194; Protein 3 g; Fat 8 g; Carbohydrates 26 g; Cholesterol 22 mg; Fiber 1.0 g; Sodium 150 mg.

GRAPE TART

Steps:

• Make pastry cream:
• Whisk together yolks and 1/2 of sugar, then whisk in flour and a pinch salt. Stir together milk and remaining sugar in a heavy saucepan and bring just to a boil over moderate heat. Whisk 1/2 of hot milk into yolks to temper and whisk yolks into milk remaining in pan. Bring custard to a boil over moderate heat and boil, whisking constantly, until very thick. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter until incorporated. Chill hot pastry cream in a bowl, its surface covered with a buttered round of wax paper, until cold, about 1 hour.
• Make tart:
• Preheat oven to 425°F while pastry cream chills.
• Open puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll out to a 14- by 12-inch rectangle. Quarter pastry to form 4 rectangles. Brush 1/3 inch of edges lightly with water and fold in borders. Brush off excess flour and press borders with back of a fork to seal. Brush borders lightly with water and sprinkle with sugar. Prick insides of shells all over with fork. Bake on a large baking sheet in middle of oven until crust is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, and transfer to a rack. Gently flatten puff pastry inside border to deflate, and cool completely.
• Halve and seed grapes if necessary. Melt jelly, stirring, and toss with grapes in a bowl.
• Spread pastry cream in shells with a spatula and top with grapes.