What are the best tart pans that you recommend for beginners? This interview covers some of the essential equipment needed for a beginner to start baking. Welcome to some tantalizing tales of tarts. Just...
Welcome to some tantalizing tales of tarts. Just the word itself implies something of a delicacy. Tarts are mentioned in poetry, fairy tales, and stories of royalty. Tarts have been deemed one of few tasty treats fit for a queen. Tarts are noted for having delicate, flaky crust and are filled with a plethora of offerings. From fruit to pudding, and even meat, egg, and vegetable concoctions,there are tarts to please most every palate.
Is there are difference between a pie and a tart? Discerning cooks will say, "Absolutely." A tart is smaller and far more ornate than a pie. Its crust more delicate and its filling more refined. To the average home chef or kitchen baker, a tart is simply a dressed up version of a pie. Tarts, however, seldom feature a top crust as many pies do. Tarts are usually a bit fancier in appearance, with flawless fluted edges and dainty dustings of flour or powdered sugar.
Tart pans are a must in every home or institutional kitchen. Beginner pastry chefs should stock their kitchens with pastry making staples.
Jennifer Bartos knows exactly what those staples should include. As the owner and operator of the All in One Bake Shop, she is an expert in baking supplies.
"Most recipes are written for a standard 9-inch tart pan," Bartos says. "I also think it's really fun to have a supply of the little 4-inch tart pans. That allows you to prepare individual servings as well."
Additional tart making supplies include a pastry brush, a pastry cutter, and a pastry board or mat. The very best pastry blenders are made of stainless steel and have a comfortable handle made of wood or rubber coating. Pastry brushes must be of good quality to prohibit bristles from falling into the pastry.
Is there a big difference between pastry mats and pastry boards? The only real difference is in the material. Both require ample flouring in order to roll out a successful tart crust. Be sure, however, when using a wooden board that it doesn't become rough with age and wear. A rough board will tear delicate pastry and result in overworked tough crust. The mats are the simplest when it comes to cleanup. A quick dip in soapy water and a dish cloth will clean the mat perfectly. Be certain to dry it completely before rolling it up for storage, as the plastic in the mats can become mildewed.
Imagine the tempting treats that tarts can be. From fresh fruit strawberry tarts to lemon chiffon swirled pudding filled tarts, to chocolate tarts and pecan encrusted tarts,the dessert options are limitless. And for an extra special meal, try a pot roast tart or a chicken and vegetable tart, a caramelized vegetable tart or a soy-based vegetarian tart. The result will undoubtedly wow your dining guests. There's just something very special about a tart.
Jennifer Bartos says, "Tarts can be really simple desserts or meals, but they always manage to look quite impressive."
So stockpile those 9 and 4 inch versions of tart pans, and start turning simplicity into a delicacy.
