"R" is for Raspberry
Meanings and Frequency of Raspberries
I love raspberries! Raspberries are widely available and frequently found in markets, gardens, and culinary dishes around the world. They are a popular choice for their versatility and health benefits, being rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Raspberries can be prepared and enjoyed in numerous ways, like in fruit salads, yogurt and cereal, providing a burst of flavor and color. They can be blended into smoothies or pureed to create sauces and coulis, perfect for drizzling over desserts. In baking, raspberries add moisture and a tangy sweetness to muffins, cakes, and tarts. They can also be used in savory dishes, such as vinaigrettes or chutneys, to complement meats and cheeses.
The ancient Greeks and Romans were among the first to cultivate raspberries, for their flavor and medicinal properties. The Romans are credited with spreading raspberry cultivation throughout their empire, including Britain. By the Middle Ages, raspberries were well-established in European gardens and were used not only for food but also for medicinal purposes, such as treating ailments that may help manage chronic conditions and lower risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Raspberries were introduced to North America by European settlers in the 18th century. Native American tribes were already familiar with wild raspberries, using them for food and medicine. The cultivation of raspberries expanded rapidly in the United States, with the first commercial raspberry farms appearing in the 19th century.
Today, raspberries are grown in many parts of the world, with major production centers in Europe, North America, and Russia. Advances in agricultural practices and breeding have led to the development of numerous raspberry varieties, including the familiar red raspberries and the less common black, purple, and golden varieties. I’ve had the golden which are amazing ,but now I have to find the black and purple ones!
My favorite recipe has been loved by many of my catering clients- Raspberry Brown Butter Tart with Pate Sucre crust.
Raspberry Brown Butter Tasrt
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Brown Butter Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Directions
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough begins to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, or use a rectangle one as pictures. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth. Slowly add the brown butter, whisking continuously until fully incorporated.
Pour the brown butter filling into the cooled tart crust. Scatter the raspberries evenly over the top. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden. Allow the tart to cool before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Great for afternoon tea! ENJOY!