A VOLUPTUOUS FIG TART

 

(Photo by Marina Caviese)

Frozen fig tart

Frozen Fig Tart

Tarta Helada de Higos

Fresh figs are one of the fruits, like pineapple or papaya, that contains an  enzyme that prevents gelatine from gelling.  So they need to be cooked before combining with the cream mixture. Even so, the tart is too soft to slice. Freezing it solves that problem and turns it into a glorious summer dessert.

Figs are so sweet that they probably do not need additional sugar. 

Serves 10.

2   cups chopped figs

4 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

1 tablespoon hot water

2 cups plain yogurt (low fat ok)

1/2 cup cream cheese, room temp

Grated lemon peel

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of ground cardamom 

Sugar (optional)

1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream

Crumb crust for a 10-inch tart pan

4-6 figs to garnish

Place the chopped figs in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of the cold water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil then simmer 5 minutes, stirring so thefigs don't scorch. Cool the figs. 

Place 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle over the gelatin. Let the gelatin soften 5 minutes. Stir in the hot water until gelatin is dissolved. 

Combine the yogurt and cream cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add the lemon peel, vanilla, cardamom, and sugar, if using. Blend I  the gelatin. 

Place the whipping cream in a chilled bowl and beat until it holds soft peaks.

Fold the yogurt-cream cheese mixture into the cream. Set aside 1 cup of the combined mixture.

Place the figs in the blender and process (they don't have to be pureed). Fold the figs into the bowl with the cream.

Spread the fig mixture in the prepared crust.  Spread the 1  up of reserved cream over the top. Decorate with quartered or sliced figs. 

Cover the tart with foil and chill at least 8 hours. If desired, freeze the tart. Remove the tart from the freezer 5 minutes before serving. Use a knife dipped in water to slice it. 

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If this blog looks a bit ragged, it's because I am thumbing it on a mobile phone. My computer died of heat stroke. When the  new one is installed I'll add some more fig photos.