This Plum Vanilla Custard Tart takes on some Classic French Baking elements: a flaky Shortcrust Pastry, a light Vanilla Custard and delicious Fresh Plums.
Put the Flour, Cornstarch and Brown Sugar in a large bowl.Cut the Butter in small cubes. When at room temperature, add it to the Flour. The butter should be soft enough to mix with the flour but not melted.Rub the butter and Flour between your palms and fingers until small crumbs form. All the flour and butter should be incorporated.
Create a well in the middle of the crumbs and pour the Egg Yolk. Slowly incorporate it with the rest of the dough.Quickly knead the dough into a large ball. If the dough is too dry and doesn't stick together, add a little bit of Water, one spoon at the time.
Put the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven on 180'C (350'F).When rested, spread the dough with a rolling pin. Try to roll the dough as thinly as possible without breaking it.Transfer it into a tart tin, and stick a fork all over the dough.Cover with baking paper and baking beads or dry beans / chickpeas.Blind bake the Shortcrust Pastry for about 20 minutesor until fully cooked and golden.
Vanilla Custard (Crème Pâtissière)
In a small pot, heat the Milk and Vanilla Bean and let it infuse for 5 minutes.Remove from the heat, split the Vanilla Bean in half, scrape all the vanilla seeds and add them to the Milk.Alternatively, you can use Vanilla Paste. Simply let it infuse in the pot with the warm Milk for 5 minutes.
In the meantime, mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar in a separate bowl until creamy. Slowly add the Cornstarch while beating. It is important to add the cornstarch very slowly while beating to having lumps.
Pour half of the Warm Milk in the bowl with the Egg mixture, stir quickly, then transfer the whole batter back into the pot with the rest of the Milk.Turn the heat back (low heat) on and whisk continuously until the custard start thickening. Transfer the Custard into a bowl and let it rest in the fridge until cold.
To Assemble the Plum Vanilla Custard Tart
Once the pre-baked Shortcrust Pastry has cooled down, pour in the Vanilla Custard.Thinly slice the Red and Black Plums and place them over the Vanilla Custard.Optional: Chop the Mint Leaves and sprinkle them over the tart.