Confessions of a Moodie Foodie

French Apple Tart

Posted on: 25th of May 2012 | Posted by: moodie foodie

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Winter challenge: Lighten up with dessert
Now that the blog off is finished we can resume our quest for the lightification of comfort food. This week I’ve chosen something sweet, because let’s face it winter is a fantastic dessert season. Mmmmmm, hot self saucing puddings, crumbles, custards, rice puddings and pies.....

French Apple Tart Slice

For some reason I always think of apples and cinnamon or cherries and berries when I want a winter dessert. I’m not sure why because almost everyone else I know thinks of chocolate. Not to get too hung up on my reason for thinking the thoughts that I think (we could be here for years), I’m just going with it. So, today I’m bringing you a lovely french apple tart. It’s made with filo (phyllo) pastry which makes for a light, fluffy and much healthier option than the average apple pie which is normally made with shortcrust. Filo pastry is paper thin and commonly used for dishes such as Baklava and Spanakopita. It has a much lower fat content that other pastry which makes it perfect for Moodie Foodie recipes. I love the texture when it’s cooked – light and crispy not heavy and doughy. Most filo dishes call for a brushing of butter between each pastry layer but I prefer to give a light spray of canola oil which again, keeps it light and guilt-free.

I’ve gone with apples for my tart but you could just as easily use pears, peaches or plums. Figs would be lovely too. If you’re using apples, choose one that holds its shape and slice it as thinly as you can to make sure it cooks all the way through.

This apple tart is rustic and beautiful. It’s the perfect finish for dinner whether it’s mid-week or weekend-special. Gorgeous served hot with ice-cream, and just as lovely cold for afternoon tea. I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it for you.

Next week I think we’ll go for Vietnamese comfort food with Pho Bo. But before we move on, what’s your favourite pie or pastry?
p.s. Moodie Foodie has been chosen to move to the next round of the Gourmet Garden Blog Off. I'll be cooking at Melbourne's Good Food and Wine Show next weekend!

French Apple Tart