Meyer Lemon Tart with Blueberry Violet Jam

Meyer Lemon Tart with Blueberry Violet Jam

A beloved part of my mother’s holiday pie repertoire was lemon meringue pie. It was just the right amount of light and sweet for those of us who couldn’t tackle the richer offerings of apple and pecan.

When we were newly arrived to the US and adopting the Thanksgiving traditions, we eagerly took to everything except pumpkin pie, or anything pumpkin really. It was sweet and bland and a vegetable. Just a bit puzzling to us.

We included pumpkin pie on the table each year anyway - until we moved again and met our new neighbor, Jean, who was originally from Alabama. She introduced us to the Southern Thanksgiving tradition of pecan pie which hit all the right notes and we never looked back at pumpkin again! Though truth be told, nothing ever topped Lemon Meringue for me.

And these days I'm both remembering my mother's cherished family recipe and reimagining it with a special gourmet twist. This is my take this year on our Lemon Meringue featuring our Blueberry Violet Jam:

 

Meyer Lemon Tart with Blueberry Violet Jam


Ingredients:

For the tart crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 large egg yolk


For the Meyer lemon filling:

  • 4 Meyer lemons, zested and juiced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Coco Fine Foods Blueberry Violet Jam


Instructions:

  • In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add the egg yolk and pulse until the dough comes together.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Trim any excess dough.
  • Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
  • Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
  • Next, Spread Blueberry Violet Jam over cooled tart crust.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the Meyer lemon zest, juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Gently pour Meyer Lemon Curd into tart crust over jam layer.
  • Bake the tart for 10-15 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
  • Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
  • Garnish with blueberries, flowers, herb leaves or however you choose.


Serves 8

Note: Meyer lemons have a sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons, making them perfect for this tart. Adjust the amount of sugar used in the filling to taste.



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Journal Features

Florida Strawberry Jewel Jam
Florida Strawberry Jewel Jam

On a beautiful day yesterday with dramatic skies, Coco Fine Foods headed a bit further inland to handpick gorgeous sustainable Florida strawberries for our Strawberry Jewel Jam.

Continue Reading

Grains of Paradise: A Secret Ingredient for Transforming Tradition
Grains of Paradise: A Secret Ingredient for Transforming Tradition

We are often asked about one of our lesser-known spices, Grains of Paradise, and how it might be used. Grains of Paradise has an aromatic, complex flavor profile with a combination of warm, spicy, and peppery notes. It's at once peppery, citrusy, floral and earthy with warm, woody notes.

Grains of Paradise, scientifically known as Aframomum melegueta, is captivating, offering more than just a unique flavor. Here are some additional facts about this lesser-known gem:

Continue Reading

Victoria Sponge Obsessed
Victoria Sponge Obsessed

I’m obsessed with Victoria Sponge Cakes; one of the strongest held memories of my native land as I tried to adapt to a new culture as a young child.
I’d pull out my mother’s Marguerite Patten cookbook and ask her to make that cake I was pointing to; airy, jammy and fruit laden with pillows of Chantilly cream.
Over the past few years, I sought out a gastronomic interpretation that never quite formed but I think that’s as it should be as the Victoria Sponge really is the little black dress of cakes.

Continue Reading