Name: Cheese Tart with Poached Pears
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 cup (250 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt; 1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch; 2 eggs; 1 cup (250 ml) milk; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract; 1 package 8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 vanilla bean; 3 pears, peeled, cored and each cut into 12 wedges; 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) water; 1 cup (250 ml) sugar; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Preparation

Crust
- With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until smooth. At low speed, add the dry ingredients.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a 23-cm (9-inch) round and 2.5-cm (1-inch) high tart pan with a removable bottom. Press firmly onto the bottom and sides of the pan. With a fork, prick the bottom of the dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust begins to brown. Let cool completely.
Cheese Filling
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Add the eggs and stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in the milk and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into the crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Vanilla Poached Pears
- With a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the vanilla seeds and pod in a saucepan and add the remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears, or until tender. Let cool and refrigerate. Serve the tart with drained poached pears.

Cheese Tart with Poached Pears

Categories

Ingredients

Crust

Cheese Filling

Vanilla Poached Pears

Preparation

Crust

Cheese Filling

Vanilla Poached Pears

Personal Note