A Slice of Autumn: Homemade French Apple Tart with Backyard Apples

There's something uniquely satisfying about turning the fruits of your own labor into a delicious homemade dessert. This (early) fall, I had the pleasure of crafting a French apple tart using apples straight from our backyard tree, and it was a slice of autumn heaven.

The Apple Harvest

Our apple tree, which we’ve lovingly tended to over the years, was bursting with fruit this season. As I picked the apples, the crisp fall air and the smell of ripe fruit were invigorating. These apples were perfect—tart and sweet with just the right amount of juiciness.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Tart (Gluten Free!) Crust:

  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup of Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour

• For the Apple Filling:

  • 4-5 medium apples, cored, and thinly sliced (no need to remove the skin, we like to make things quick and easy)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Cubed, cold, salted butter, dotting on the top

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tart Crust:

   • In a food processor, ground the almonds, flour, and melted butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

1. Assemble the Tart:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a tart pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
   • Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern inside the greased tart shell.
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!

Let the tart cool before slicing. The result is a buttery, flaky crust with a warm, spiced apple filling that's as comforting as one of our cozy, cashmere throws. Place the tart on a large La Rochere Ceramic Bee Plate. To serve - use one of our antique silver serving spoons. Enjoy your slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of strong coffee in a matching La Rochere Ceramic Bee Mug. 

There’s something deeply satisfying about making this tart with apples from our own backyard. It’s a reminder of the simple joys of homegrown produce and the pleasure of creating something delicious with your own hands. This French apple tart is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season and the fruits of our labor. Enjoy every bite!