Cranberry Tart with Cognac-soaked Raisins, Tangerine Zest, and Dark Chocolate

by Laura on November 25, 2011

If you, by chance, bought a couple of pints of fresh cranberries too many, or your market still has a stash, this tart is quite simple, and a lovely way to liven up Thanksgiving Day leftovers.  Apart from warming some cognac with star anise in which to soak a handful of raisins, all of the ingredients are tossed in a bowl and spooned into a simple and buttery press-in shortbread crust made with ground almonds and whole wheat pastry flour, no blind baking required.  It bakes up beautifully, jewel-like, with sharp, sweet, smoky, and tart notes.  And it’s kind of a perfect foil for the creamy richness of all that gravy-laden turkey, stuffing, and potatoes.  If you like, gild the lily with whipped cream–plain, spiced, or spiked.

 

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Anna November 25, 2011 at 11:10 pm

Wow! I love the distinctive spirit that the cognac soaked raisins will lend the tart. How long should the saoking process be? For the most effective results? Thanks for sharing!

2 Lizzi November 26, 2011 at 1:54 am

This, my friend, might well be your finest hour. Wowwwwwww!

3 Laura November 26, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Anna, Well the longer the soak the better–perhaps overnight–but the recipe works well, too, if the raisins soak just long enough to absorb the cognac, too. I think it took about ten minutes.

4 Laura November 26, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Thank you, Lizzi. You’re always so supportive. xo

5 Lizzi November 27, 2011 at 5:38 am

It’s not so much that I’m ‘always supportive’, as it is ‘always hungry’ ;)

6 Laura November 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

You’re much too humble, Lizzi. (The black dress in your last post, by the way, was stunning.)

7 Judy Budreau December 1, 2011 at 9:46 am

My first visit here, Laura – you’ve created something wonderful! I’ll be back, for the recipes and menus, and for your writing and photos. Lovely. And I’m craving this cranberry tart… I love Michele’s original, and this looks even better…

8 Laura December 7, 2011 at 7:58 am

Thank you, Judy!

9 kris jacobson December 13, 2011 at 2:14 pm

lovely description.
hi judy budreau!
kris

10 Laura December 14, 2011 at 8:28 am

Thanks, Kris. xo

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