Tuesday 26 January 2010

Pear and Butterscotch Frangipane Tartlets

Never mind Prada and Gucci. Move over, Chanel and Valentino. Sure, they have gorgeous and desirable things, but no clothes shop can get can my Mum half as excited as a certain kitchen shop. I wonder if the words, “Williams Sonoma” mean anything to anyone? I thought so. (For anyone who doesn’t know, Williams Sonoma is a kitchen shop chain in America. It sells the most beautiful things.)
DSCF6171This August, my family is going to America for our holidays. As we are spending a few days in Washington DC my Mum has already been online to find the nearest Williams Sonoma to where we are staying. And this is nothing new! My Mum has bought home cake stands, china platters and fruit bowls on international flights many times before – leaving a space in the suitcase for exciting new things on the way home has become the norm. But what’s this got to do with these tarts? Every keen cook wants their kitchen full of gadgets and gizmos, or even just new pan after new tray after new dish. Half of it never gets used, but is always wanted. My Mum bought these tartlet pans a year or so ago and this weekend I found them, still neatly tucked in their box. Their time had most certainly come!
DSCF6164 They were used to make these scrumptious Pear and Butterscotch Frangipane Tartlets. You’ve got your crisp pastry layer, the gloriously sticky sauce, soft frangipane and juicy pears. What’s not to like? Even if you’re not in the mood for the whole tartlet shebang, the butterscotch sauce is a definite Must Make. It is almost drinkable, it is that good. You can all too easily slurp spoon after spoon. Amazing! Or, on the other hand, if you’re not feeling for the sauce – you could put a small layer of apricot jam on the base of the pastry – extra fruit intake :)
DSCF6150Although they are multi-component, these tartlets are fairly simple to make because no step is complicated. Plus, when you bring them to the table they look like something out of a patisserie! The recipe is from the latest issue of BBC olive magazine, so don’t delay buying it! The tartlet pans are not going back into hiding because I want to experiment with more mini tarts – ideas, anyone?
Until next time! X

15 comments:

Ash said...

These are just darling! You've outdone yourself!
I wouldn't blame your mom, what foodie wouldn't want to stop on by W & S ? I love that shop! When I lived in the city, I think I might have went in there every other week! sick, I know. haha

hmm.. I've been wanting try my hand at some mini tarts too. I've been wanting to do little pies or perhaps a full on dark chocolate tart?

La Table De Nana said...

Lucy..is my older age making miss the recipe?Your photos are so beautiful !

I love WS when I visit the US..there is one in Toronto Canada but I never go:(

If you visit.. scout out a Sur La Table store..fabulous too!

Bob said...

Heh, I have a buddy who used to work for Williams Sonoma. I got the best Christmas present that year.

The tarts look great! Love the sauce.

Anonymous said...

These tarts were one of the best things you've made. Seem to remember a lot of time spent in Abercrombie, Hollister and Gap as well for a certain somebody.
Love Mummy

Faith said...

I completely know what you mean -- I'll take a kitchen shop over a clothes shop any day, lol! (But on the other hand, a shoe store might come in before a kitchen shop! ;) ) These tartlets are beautiful and that combination of flavors sounds delicious!

Dewi said...

Perfect tart for me Lucy. I love pear very much.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Gorgeous flavors! Those tartlets must taste heavenly.

Cheers,

Rosa

Rhiannon Bosse said...

this is your best work so far :) promise!

Steph said...

Your tart looks perfect! I remember making frangipane for TWD and really enjoyed it. Williams sonoma is a really pretty store, but definitely overpriced. I only ever buy exclusive items there because you can find the same products somewhere else at a fraction of the cost. If you are near any outlet malls because they have so many in the states, definitely check out the kitchen stores there. That's where I buy all my nordicware bundt type pans. Compared to Canada, Williams Sonoma in the states is a lot cheaper. Have fun!

Susan @ SGCC said...

Those tartlets look divine, Lucy! I'm drooling over that butterscotch sauce! Check out Tartelette's site. As you would guess, she makes lots of lovely tartlets.

Tell your mum, I feel the same about Williams-Sonoma. I'm lucky to have one about 6 blocks from my house!

Dinners & Dreams said...

I love frangipane. My friend just made a galette des rois, and I devoured all the filling. Pears go so well with the almonds. This dessert looks quite exquisite, my dear.

Nisrine

Deeba PAB said...

YUM little tarts... PRETTY! I'm right with you...move over Gucci and Prada, I'd rather be at a kitchen store too. I love how you dedicate suitcase space for kitechn tools, coz I do too. I bought similar tartlet pans (and much more) from an old rickety shop in the bylanes of Old Delhi. My best buy, and something I can never tire of using. Starngely enough, I just poster mini pear cakes too, not fraingipane though

Isabelle said...

Those tarts looks gorgeous! I love frangipane and pears, so delicious. Bravo!

Sook said...

I love pear tartlet. Looks great!

Anne said...

Those are gorgeous! I too love Williams Sonoma but my problem is that I live TOO close and have to stop myself from shopping there too often! Thanks for saying hello and keep up the great work- your blog is lovely!