Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the White Chocolate Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cranberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tart Crust:
a. In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
b. Add the cold butter pieces and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
c. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cold water. Add this mixture to the food processor and pulse until the dough comes together.
d. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan with a removable bottom.
e. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
White Chocolate Filling:
a. In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
b. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just before boiling.
c. Pour the hot cream over the melted white chocolate and stir until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
d. Pour the white chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
Cranberry Compote:
a. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
b. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
c. Allow the cranberry compote to cool before spreading it over the set white chocolate filling in the tart.
Garnish:
a. Before serving, garnish the tart with fresh mint leaves and white chocolate shavings.
Serve chilled and enjoy your Winter White Chocolate Cranberry Tart!
Note:
You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts or a hint of cinnamon to the tart crust or by incorporating orange zest into the white chocolate filling for extra flavor.