Read by Michael Flamel

Sweet Beginnings: A Patisserie Discovery

As our riverboat journey ended, Gail and I spent a few blissful days exploring the old town of Lyon. Wandering through its winding streets, we soaked up its rich history and vibrant culture, but—being us—our quest inevitably turned to food.

It was during one of these meandering walks that we stumbled upon a small, unassuming patisserie tucked into a quiet corner. Inside, the air was perfumed with the heavenly scent of freshly baked pastries, but one treat caught our eye: a gleaming French strawberry tart.

We ordered one to share, sitting outside on the cobblestones with our forks ready. The tart was perfection: the buttery crust, the luscious layer of crème pâtissière, and the fresh strawberries kissed with a glaze of sweetness. We returned to this patisserie more than once during our stay, savoring every bite as if it were a secret treasure.

Back home, inspired by this culinary revelation, we decided to recreate the tart for our friends and family. It’s now become the grand finale of our Garden-to-Table Journeys: French Recipe Collection, bringing a touch of Lyon’s magic to every gathering.

French Strawberry Tart

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A classic French tart featuring a crisp, buttery crust filled with silky pastry cream and topped with fresh, glossy strawberries. Served with a dollop of homemade crème fraîche for an elegant finish.

• Author: Don Nicholas
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bakery

Ingredients

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• For the Pastry Crust (Pâte Sucrée):
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
• For the Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière):
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Topping:
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam, warmed and strained
• For the Crème Fraîche:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Step 1: Make the Pastry Crust
  1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
  3. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the base with a fork, chill for 15 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
• Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk until it just begins to simmer.
  2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk in the hot milk.
  3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool completely before spreading into the tart shell.
• Step 3: Assemble the Tart
  1. Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly over the tart crust.
  2. Arrange the strawberries on top in a decorative pattern.
  3. Brush the strawberries with the warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish. Chill the tart until ready to serve.
• Step 4: Whip the Crème Fraîche
  1. In a bowl, whisk heavy cream, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Serve dolloped alongside slices of the tart.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This tart makes the perfect dessert to crown a meal featuring our French recipe collection:

• Begin with Stuffed Mushroom Caps à la Provence and Quiche Lorraine Appetizers for a light and flavorful start.
• Follow with French Onion Soup and Chicken Cordon Bleu paired with Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce and Roasted Root Vegetables à la Provence.
• Conclude the evening with the French strawberry tart as the star dessert.

For beverages, pair the tart with a sparkling rosé or Champagne for a touch of elegance. A refreshing non-alcoholic option is a chilled strawberry-mint lemonade.

A Slice of Lyon at Home

This garden-fresh strawberry tart is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary postcard from Lyon, capturing the sweetness of discovery, indulgence, and shared moments. With each slice, we’re reminded of cobblestone streets, bustling markets, and the joy of recreating memories at home. Bon appétit! ❖