Apple Tart

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. 2
   Peel, core, and slice about 1/4 inch thick: 3 pounds apples (Sierra Beauty, Pippin, Granny Smith are good choices).
3. 3
   Roll out into a 14-inch circle: One 10-ounce disk of Tart and Pie Dough (page 174).
4. 4
   Brush off any excess flour and transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5
   Let it firm up in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so.
6. 6
   Take it out of the refrigerator and lay apple slices end to end in a circle around the circumference, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border.
7. 7
   Arrange the remaining apple slices within this circle in tight overlapping concentric circles.
8. 8
   The apples should be about 1 1/2 layers thick.
9. 9
   Fold the dough border over the apples.
10. 10
    Melt: 3 tablespoons butter.
11. 11
    Brush the folded dough border generously with butter and then pat the tops of the apples with the rest.
12. 12
    Sprinkle the crust with: 2 tablespoons sugar.
13. 13
    Sprinkle the apples with: 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar.
14. 14
    Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the crust is golden brown on the bottom.
15. 15
    Slide off the pan and cool on a rack.
16. 16
    Substitute sliced poached quinces (see page 190) for about half of the apple slices.
17. 17
    Cook 2 of the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a saucepan with a splash of water until tender.
18. 18
    Puree the apples and spread the cooled puree on the pastry (leaving a 1 1/2-inch-wide border).
19. 19
    Top with apple slices as above.
20. 20
    Spread the pastry with a few tablespoons of apricot jam before you put on the apples and use warm jam to glaze the tart after baking.
21. 21
    Make a glaze by reducing 1 cup apple juice until thick and syrupy.
22. 22
    Flavor with Cognac and lemon juice to taste, and brush over the tart before serving.
23. 23
    For me, tarts are all about the fruit.
24. 24
    Try to squeeze as much fruit as possible onto the dough, leaving a small border to fold up for the edge.
25. 25
    Try any of these variations with the apple tart recipe that follows.