Persimmon Rose Tart with Spiced custard

Sweets are such a celebration of goodness, tradition, and memories. Layers of flavor that evoke warm memories of the past. Reminding us of celebrations and the people who we’ve shared those sweet moments with (pun intended). This Persimmon Rose Tart does just that for me.

During the Holiday season, I can not pass up a persimmon at the market, because I know they bring my dad such joy. He sits and eats them like he was a child again. Peeling back each layer and thoroughly enjoying every ounce of sweetness.

This tart features all of the delicious flavors of winter from top to bottom. Gingersnap cookies
make up the easy crust, and your favorite holiday spices are mixed into the smooth custard
filling. But – the real stars of the show are the gorgeous, sweet persimmon roses that delicately adorn the top!

If you have never made a tart before – here are a few tips to create the perfect tart every time.

1. CORRECT TART PAN SIZE: Be sure to use a 9-inch round tart pan (or whatever size the recipe calls for). If you use a smaller pan you’ll end up having too much filling, and if you use a larger pan you won’t have enough filling.
2. COLD BUTTER: It is essential that you use cold butter when making the dough. If you want that amazing flaky crust – cold butter is the trick!
3. CHILL THE DOUGH: Chilling the dough before rolling it lets the gluten relax – making it easier to roll and preventing it from shrinking while baking. You can even make the dough a day or two before you are ready to bake your tart. This saves me around the holidays. I make all must crust ahead of time and refrigerate until I’m ready for them. 
4. PRICK THE TART BEFORE BAKING: Using a fork, prick the tart all round before baking. This will avoid it from shrinking while baking. It will also avoid the pie from puffing in the center while baking 

I hope you are inspired to make this for the persimmon lovers in your life. It will bring a smile to their face – I promise!

Persimmon Rose Tart with Spiced Custard

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Equipment

• 1 9" round tart pan with removable bottom

Ingredients

  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 8oz package gingersnaps (about 35-40 (2-inch) cookies)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp. vanilla paste or extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 6-8 persimmons

Instructions

 

METHOD:

• Preheat oven to 350°
• Crush gingersnaps to a fine crumb using a food processor. (Gingersnaps can also be crushed in a large zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Be sure to crush finely to yield the best crust.) Add melted butter and mix until well combined.
• Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with removable sides. Make sure to press tightly onto the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350° for 10-11 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool.
• Combine heavy cream, milk, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a medium bowl. Heat saucepan of milk mixture over medium-high heat until mixture just begins to simmer. Scoop about 1/4 cup hot milk out of saucepan with a ladle or cup; slowly drizzle warm milk into egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly with a wire whisk.
• Slowly add egg mixture to remaining milk mixture in the saucepan, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Heat mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until mixture thickens to a pudding consistency.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Transfer custard to cooled crust. Cover with plastic wrap covering the surface of the custard; chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Thinly slice persimmon horizontally to about 1/8-inch using a mandolin or very sharp knife. Cut each slice in half, to yield half circles. Roll one half circle into a tight roll. Place it upright, skin side up, on the tart and continue to arrange half circle concentrically around to make a rose shape. Repeat with remaining slices of persimmon. Skin may be tender, so work delicately. Use remaining scraps for another purpose.
• Serve immediately or chill before serving. Store, covered, in the fridge.