Tuesday, December 1, 2009

TWD: Rosy Poached Pear and Pistachio Tart




 Lauren of  I'll Eat You-  selected Rosy Poached Pear and Pistachio Tart. This is a beautiful tart full of rich autumn colors. The deep rosy pears were just right on top of  the light colored pastry cream, sprinkled with caramelized pistachio nuts and finished with a drizzle of a the deep red reduction of the poaching liquid. The sweet buttery crust was the perfect crunch under the smooth pastry cream and tender pears. Dorie says the reduction sauce is option, but I disagree- it is a must for this tart. On the other hand, although I loved the caramelized pistachio nuts as a snack, I didn't think they did too much for the tart, other than being a garnish.







This delicious tart was easy to make since all of the parts could be prepared well ahead of time leaving the final assembly the only step prior to serving. I would I make it again, but I would  use almonds in place of pistachios in the pastry cream, because the pistachios flavor was over powered by the almond extract and I always have almonds on hand. If you want to make this pretty tart visit Lauren of I'll Eat You.







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19 comments:

Jhonny walker said...

recently I am doing a lot of pears..and am loving that. This poached version looks like the finale to be made with the couple I have left over!!!

Katrina said...

I saw your tart and thought you stole the picture in the book! ;)
It looks great. The other pear tart we did for TWD was REALLY good and I think it had almonds.

Fresh Local and Best said...

This is such a beautiful tart!

steph- whisk/spoon said...

mmm...what a glorious tart!

Velva said...

Mimi, your tart is really quite elegant. I agree with you, the pistachios add color but are better for snacking. As always, you really did a nice job.

Cinnamon-Girl Reeni♥ said...

What a beautiful tart Mimi. Such vibrant colored pears. It sounds positively delicious and looks perfect - great crust!

Barbara said...

A lovely tart, Mimi. Pears poached in red wine are absolutely delicious..you did a great job with this recipe. I like pistachios for snacking too- sometimes they make a great garnish, but maybe not in this case. I love almonds as well and they might be milder!

Romaine said...

I think you are right although I didn't realize it. The caramelized pistachios are not all that great on the tart. Better for snacking.

Your slices look pretty and "clean". I'm assuming you did not add sour cream to the cream filling.

Grace said...

oh dear and heavens to betsy, that's one exquisite tart. it's absolutely perfect, mimi, and the taste of it sounds pretty fantastic too. many, many kudos to you!

El said...

Absolutely elegant. I love it!

Renata said...

Such a beautiful tart Mimi.. Looks delish!

Nina said...

Mimi, your tart is stunning! The color of your pears is wonderfully rich. Good idea on the almonds!

Anita said...

What a pretty tart. The pistachios sound lovely

radmegan said...

My mom just told me about this blog! I cannot WAIT to try these recipes! Love you mimi!!
xoxox See you at Christmas!

Tracy @ Sugarcrafter said...

Oooh, what a gorgeous tart!!

Kitchen Butterfly said...

I love poached pears....especially the red wine sort. I poached loads and pack them in a kilner jar....for what and when. My dream - to make a poached pear tarte tatin! This does loov delish...with some cold creme fraiche, the sky's the limit

Ingrid said...

Now that's a impressive looking tart! You did a fantastic job Mimi! It looks as good as any found in a bakery!
~ingrid

www.dhaleb.com said...

Your photos are beautiful!

Michelle said...

I poached my first pears just this past summer and was surprised at how easy it was and it makes such an elegant dessert.

Love the idea of making a Poached Pear Tart!

Stunning photos! I know I keep repeating myself but really your photography is exceptionally well done.