Decorating Une Tarte aux Fruits

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Yesterday I bought a new cookbook.  (Yes, I know we all struggle with cookbook addiction; so look away if this might trigger you to splurge again).  But when I saw French chef, Eric Lanlard's, new book, I just could not resist.  Who would want to? His images are beautiful, his recipes have a strong French influence; plus he has recipes I've never read before.  I immediately noticed his Fresh Fruit Tart recipe and was inspired by his perfect presentation of the fruits.  I should have expected this from a French chef.  I immediately wanted to imitate his bright and chic presentation but he had no instructions! However, today when I baked a custard tart for my French class at Alliançe Française, I gave it a go anyway! I was very happy with the results.  A big improvement from this style of decoration n'est-ce pas? Bon appetit!

My delicious recipe for a French Custard Tart
Click here! Ici!

Ingredients
1/2 punnet of strawberries, halved, hull still in tact
1//3 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 nectarine fruit, sliced in 6 thin pieces

Method
For this to be effective, you need to be aware of colour and height.  These are the essential 2 components of the fruit arranging.  Take chilled custard tart from fridge; set aside.  Start laying some strawberries inside-down in a certain area (say the left side of the tart, ensuring some custard can still be seen).  Now prop some strawberries up against the lying-down strawberries; the pinker inside should be visible.  Scatter some bluberries on this strawberry pile.  Now place 3 strips of nectarine close to the strawberry pile.  Extend the strawberry "patch" of lying-down and propped-up strawberries.  Scatter more blueberries in the spaces.  Add your final 3 pieces of nectarine; fanning them out slightly.  Tweak some of the fruit to ensure there are some height differences.

Comments

  1. KimMarch 17, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Ta tarte est absolument magnifique. C'est vrai que parfois on a l'impression que c'est facile de décorer une tarte aux fruits. Ça prend quand même quelques principes!

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  2. Valerie GamineMarch 17, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    What a lucky class! This tart looks so bright and happy...like Spring. :)

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  3. CakewhizMarch 17, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Sooo fruity and colorful! This tart looks perfect!

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  4. kitchen flavoursMarch 17, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Yahoooo.. another cookbook! I always smile when I browse a newly owned book! Once my son asked me why am I so happy about! Oh, son if you only knew the bliss of having another new cookbook! Ha! Ha! :) Well, Brittany, this is one addiction that the whole family will benefit in the end! Glad that you found the book you really like!
    Your fruit tart looks so yummy and pretty. It does take a good hand and eye to make a pretty one, I need more practice on that!

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  5. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Oh an improvement indeed. It's funny -- lately I seem obsessed with books -- but somehow they all come back to France. i better not take a peek or I might find myself the owner of a new one. I will come back though...Love the new presentation.
    You are a master!
    x

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  6. CheleMarch 18, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Eric Lanlard is a God!! There is no way you can't have his latest book in your collection. Love all teh fresh fruit, can't wait for summer to roll around here.

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  7. CakelawMarch 18, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    What a beautiful tart Brittany - this is exactly the sort of thing that I like.

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  8. DianeMarch 18, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    It is so colourful and looks quite delicious. Diane

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  9. fimereMarch 18, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    une tarte magnifique plein de fruits et de couleurs on sent le printemps elle doit être délicieuse bravo
    à bientôt

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  10. spontaneous-euphoriaMarch 18, 2011 at 1:54 AM

    This looks wonderful and delicious!

    I hate making tarts.. something always has to go wrong with it :(

    And Eric Lanlard is amazing! <3

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  11. UnknownMarch 18, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    wow beautiful and sooo creative...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  12. UnknownMarch 18, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Your comments on my blog are so lovely thank you so much. I was sure I was following you too but apparently not, I follow so many I loose track, I am following now anyway lol.

    Your tart is stunning and I love the last one too, my favorite and it just looks perfect.

    Thanks again for visiting my wee blog and all your wonderful comments lol, makes me feel all warm inside : )

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  13. lenaMarch 18, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    oh, the art of decorating ..i must learn that too, many times i just simply dump the fruits on..!

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  14. MissCakeBakerMarch 18, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    so so pretty! x

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  15. Genie -- Paris and BeyondMarch 18, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    I see a future hostess extraordinare or a caterer to royalty! This is simply wonderful and the colors just perfectly paired!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  16. HannahMarch 18, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Stunning tart! The decorative fruits look so fresh, juicy, and colorful... What I would give to have berries like that available right now!

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  17. La Cuisine d'HeleneMarch 18, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Oh my that looks so good. Your style has improved a lot. That sounds like a good cookbook.

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  18. Jessica VogelsangMarch 18, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Oh, always struggling with food "styling." Thanks for the inspiration!

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  19. Mary BergfeldMarch 18, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    This really does look wonderful. Thanks so much for the tips. I found them really helpful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  20. HaddockMarch 18, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    What a colorful spread, and yummy too.

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  21. CarolineMarch 18, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    It looks absolutely beautiful Brittany - you can see how much care you've taken over placing the fruits - amazing outcome. Thanks for the lovely detailed instructions on how to recreate it too!

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  22. GenMarch 18, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    The colors are beautiful! And a lot of yummy fruits with custard that's delicious!

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  23. Kalasgott >> Jennie BenjaminssonMarch 18, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I must say that your blog is amazing and totally inspiring! :-)

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  24. AnonymousMarch 18, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Brittany your tart looks beautiful and so elegant! This is such a gorgeous treat for the warmer weather that's coming. Lovely photo!
    Have a beautiful weekend!

    xx,
    Tammy

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  25. CatherineMarch 18, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Dear Brittany, This tart is a work of art. The French custard filling sounds delicious and the recipe for the crust also sounds delicious. I would love the try and make this. Blessings, Catherine

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  26. VirginiaMarch 18, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    J'adore custard!!!

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  27. MerveilleuxMarch 18, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Your tart looks divine!

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  28. LisaMarch 18, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I can use all the help I can get when learning how to make things look pretty and your tips are definitely useful. You sure look like you've got the skill because your tart is like a work of art. Thanks so much for linking up to Sweets for a Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yellow Rose ArborMarch 18, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    I love cookbooks too! What a nice blog you have, made me hungry browsing through it! LOL!

    You are a very pretty girl!

    Katherine

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  30. Lorraine @ Not Quite NigellaMarch 18, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Brittany, that looks beautiful! the berries are such a lovely combination of shades and flavours :D

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  31. Travel With LuluMarch 18, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    If only I could grab a piece through my screen - it looks delicious! XOL

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  32. dr.antonyMarch 19, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Hi
    I came through Haddock's blog.
    Your blog looks as lovely as yourself.
    You may not believe,I am fond of cooking too. In the middle of busy schedules of work,it helps me unwind.
    Your recipes are too tempting.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Caked CrusaderMarch 19, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    Very pretty tart indeed - I too am an Eric Lanlard fan; he just makes the fancy seem so achievable

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  34. JoanneMarch 19, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I've decided to just accept my cookbook addiction for what it is. Embrace it, actually. :P

    I love fruit tarts and this is just So pretty!

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  35. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingMarch 19, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Beautiful tart! But then, I loved your other tart too!

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  36. Cooking GalleryMarch 19, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Gorgeous! So bright and colourful, these tarts make me happy just by seeing them :D)!

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  37. MelissaDaamsMarch 19, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    very pretty. good luck with your baking and i hope you make it to France. I live only 5 hours away... and haven't been there yet but i hope to go Paris someday too.

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  38. JacquelineMarch 19, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I wish I had been at the class, not just to see it but to taste it. The presentation is fabulous and of course your photography is incredible! Yum - absolutely mouthwatering. (I followed your link, isn't it fun to improve!)

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  39. YasminMarch 19, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I wish I could be the judge of food in cooking classes, it would be a delight to try this!

    Do you know I had a dream about you the other night? I drempt that my mum and I visited this little shop in the city and we saw your mum at the front desk. Do you know why???? Because it was a little french cafe that you owned and ran! You came out in the next second and served us some beautiful food! (It was delicious, thank you!) Then we had a wonderful chat.

    Maybe I can read the future? Who knows!!!

    have a good day! And enjoy eating this lovely treat!

    Yas

    P.S Thanks for your touching words on my blog, thank you for your support.

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  40. Laura in ParisMarch 20, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    Your tarte looks delicious!

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  41. BethMarch 20, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    What a stunning photo! All that fresh fruit is the best decoration possible.

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  42. UnknownMarch 20, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Your tart looks amazing and I'm sure it tastes amazing!! I love the colors! Gorgeous!

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  43. EléonoraMarch 20, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    De fil en aiguilles, je découvre un autre rêve en cuisine, celui d'une belle boulangère. Ta tarte aux fruits est magnifique. Elle me rappelle une pizza que j'avais fait de la même manière. Une belle fin de dimanche....

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  44. Kate and RachelMarch 20, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    This fruit tart looks delicious - and perfect for Spring!

    Kate and Rachel

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  45. Xiaolu @ 6 BittersweetsMarch 20, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Very nice! I absolutely adore fruit custard tarts and the presentation only makes it more appealing.

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  46. MelanieMarch 20, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    OH MY! this post makes me miss summer so bad! spring's just springing over here. waiting for the first rhubarb, i want to make a rhubarb meringue tart. ever come by a rhubarb curd recipe?

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  47. ReeniMarch 20, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Your tart is gorgeous! The fruit looks beautiful and so fresh! I bet it's scrumptious! xoxo

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  48. Miz HelenMarch 20, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Hi Brittany,
    I really enjoyed you stopping by to have a slice of Brownie Tart and a cup of Tea with me. I just had to come by and have a slice of your French Custard Tart, it looks divine and I can hardly wait to taste it. I look forward to seeing you again.
    Best Wishes,
    Miz Helen

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  49. theUngourmetMarch 20, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    This looks like summer to me. I can't wait for fresh lovely berries! ;) Such a lovely tart!

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  50. Gloria BakerMarch 20, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    What nice and amazing tart, lov the opicture´, gloria

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  51. CakebrainMarch 20, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    What a beautiful tart! The berries look lovely on the the custard!

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  52. AllisonMarch 21, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    What a stunning fruit tart! So beautiful!

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  53. KimmyMarch 22, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Wow!!! That tart looks fantastic! It looks gorgeous and I bet it tastes heavenly! Thanks for posting. I can't wait to try this!

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  54. FOODESSAMarch 24, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Delicate...pretty...and surely delicious.

    Brava Brittany...très reussi ;o)

    Flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
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