Italian Fruit Tart: Crostata di Frutta

1. In a large bowl cream together the sugar with the egg yolks, next add unsalted butter (cubed at room temperature).
Note: It will become a yellow gooey mixture

2.  Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.

3. Using a fork start to fold in the flour at a certain point you can use your hands and form a round ball.

4. Using your hands knead the dough gently with your fingertips.

5.  Wrap the ball of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, otherwise you can use it the next day.

6. Roll the pastry on a lightly floured counter into a circle, take the pastry and lay it inside a 9″ tart pan.

7.  Next take the excess of the pastry  and roll into a rope. Place it around the edges of the tart pan pressing down to make an edge.

8.  With a fork poke holes at the bottom of the pan, and place parchment with some beans or pie weights on top.

9. Bake at 375 Degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes Note: If you need more time keep an eye on it in increments of 3 minutes until the dough is baked.

For the Custard

1. In a bowl mix sugar, flour and the egg yolks until smooth.

2. In a sauce pan bring the milk to a boil.

3.  Whisk in the egg yolk mixture into the sauce pan.

4.  Continue to whisk while bringing it to a boil.

5.  Simmer for 2 minutes stirring until it becomes smooth and thick.

6.  Stir in the vanilla extract.

7.  Pour into a bowl and press plastic or wax paper to the surface. Let it cool before you fold in the whipped cream.

For the Fresh Whipped Cream

1. Add heavy whipping cream into a bowl of a stand mixer or use a hand mixer

2.  Begin to whip the cream on high until peaks begin to form

3. If you are using a hand mixer, rotate the mixer around the bowl

4.  Add 3 tsp of vanilla

5.  Add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar

6. Continue whipping until cream near firm

For the Filling: Combine the Custard with Whipped Cream

Once your custard is cooled off in the refrigerator you can take the whipped cream and slowly add it to the custard. Put back in the fridge until your pie crust is cooled down from baking and ready to be filled.

Assemble the Crostata di Frutta!

1. Let your pie crust cool down before you add the filling.
2. Once it is cool spoon in the filling and smooth right below the top of the crust.
3. Next you can top with fruit like berries and create a design.
4. I like garnished mine with edible flowers.