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History:

Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert with a charming origin story. Legend has it that Tarte Tatin was created accidentally at the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, in the late 19th or early 20th century. The hotel was run by the Tatin sisters, Stephanie and Caroline. The story goes that one of the sisters, either Stephanie or Caroline (depending on the version), was preparing an apple tart but forgot to put the pastry crust on the bottom. To salvage the dish, she placed the pastry on top of the apples and baked it that way. Upon serving, the upside-down nature of the tart delighted the guests, who loved the caramelized apples and the caramelized pastry crust.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 medium apples (preferably firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Peel, core, and halve the apples. It’s traditional to leave them in halves, but you can also slice them into quarters if preferred.
  3. In a 9-10 inch ovenproof skillet or Tatin dish, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
  4. Arrange the apple halves or quarters, rounded side down, in a circular pattern in the skillet or dish. Make sure the apples fit snugly together.
  5. Cook the apples in the butter and sugar mixture over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly caramelized and softened. Occasionally swirl the pan gently to ensure even caramelization.
  6. While the apples are cooking, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a circle slightly larger than the skillet or dish.
  7. Remove the skillet or dish from the heat. Carefully place the puff pastry over the apples, tucking the edges down around the sides.
  8. Transfer the skillet or dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the Tarte Tatin from the oven and let it cool in the skillet or dish for about 5-10 minutes.
  10. To serve, place a serving plate over the skillet or dish. Using oven mitts, carefully invert the Tarte Tatin onto the plate. Be cautious of any hot caramel that may drip.
  11. Serve warm, preferably with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Tarte Tatin is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples enhanced by caramelization. Its upside-down presentation adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat any time of year. Enjoy discovering this timeless French dessert in your own kitchen!

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