Ooooh, What a Tart!

My second Daring Baker challenge was Lemon Meringue Pie. Jen from The Canadian Baker was the host this month, and the recipe came from Wanda’s Pie in the Sky by Wanda Beaver. I decided to do individual tartletts, as I much prefer plating desserts with tartletts than pie or tart slices.

lemon_tart_01.jpg

Overall, they were quite tasty, but I did have some issues with the crust. We’ll call it “rustic,” but deep down inside, I’m gonna call it ugly. I rushed it, and did not let it rest the required amount of time, so I know it was all my fault. It was very yummy, so I’ll live with the rustic look!

Due to all the weeping custards I was hearing about, I thought I’d be smart and broil the meringue in a very hot oven under the broiler, instead of baking. I babysat it for about one minute, and then turned around for literally thirty seconds, and (poo!!!) the tips were smokin’. It was just a tad bit darker than I would have liked, but again very tasty. I garnished the tart with passion fruit and raspberry sauces and blackberries sliced in half. I’m not usually a big fan of lemon desserts, but this one was quite good.lemon_tart_02.jpglemon_tart_04.jpg
lemon_tart_03.jpg

Critiques & Opinions

48 Critiques to “Ooooh, What a Tart!”

  1. Gretchen Noelle on January 28th, 2008 8:29 am

    Beautiful meringue…yet another reason I need a pastry bag! Great red & yellow accents in your photos. I think you did a great job!

  2. Shawnda on January 28th, 2008 9:53 am

    Your meringues are gorgeous! Wonderful job on this month’s challenge.

  3. Amber on January 28th, 2008 10:22 am

    Your tarts look divine. Congratulations on your second DB challenge.

  4. Ashley on January 28th, 2008 10:37 am

    they look gorgeous!

  5. Tempered Woman on January 28th, 2008 2:01 pm

    OH~ super cute plating. I love the meringue drops- makes me think of Dr. Suess for some odd reason!?!?! Really great photos and congrats on your second dare success.

  6. clumsy on January 28th, 2008 2:46 pm

    Beautiful meringue—very fun and whimsical-looking! Congrats on the challenge!!

  7. Susan on January 28th, 2008 3:42 pm

    You say rustic, I say beautiful! I love the garnishes too.

  8. Nicole on January 28th, 2008 4:12 pm

    Your presentation and photography are AMAZING!

  9. June on January 28th, 2008 6:02 pm

    Your tarts look great!

  10. Tina on January 28th, 2008 10:05 pm

    omg!! those are amazing. Not only do the tarts look fantastic, your plates, and pictures wow. Great Job!!

  11. kitten on January 29th, 2008 12:43 am

    your little tarts look beautiful ! i love the way you applied the meringue, it reminds me of little toasted marshmallows.

  12. peabody on January 29th, 2008 3:44 am

    The plating was lovely, as are your tarts. Yes, pie crust is something that can’t be rushed or it rebels against you.

  13. April on January 29th, 2008 12:14 pm

    I love the look of your little tarts, with the piped meringue! Beautiful!

  14. baking soda on January 29th, 2008 12:38 pm

    Dotting the dots, love it! The work in progress pic is just marvellous.

  15. Deborah on January 29th, 2008 1:50 pm

    I love your perfect piping! And the plating is amazing, as well.

  16. Hannah on January 29th, 2008 1:53 pm

    Ah, meringue does go from pure white to burnt and blackened in no time flat… Still, I wouldn’t have know if you hadn’t said anything, as they look nicely browned to me. Nice piping, too!

  17. Sarah on January 29th, 2008 2:49 pm

    I think that I like the darkened tips of the meringue. Looks good-great job on your second challenge!

  18. Sarah on January 29th, 2008 2:51 pm

    Great job on your 2nd challenge!

  19. Tanya on January 29th, 2008 2:53 pm

    Gosh! I love the piping!

  20. Rolanda (mom) on January 29th, 2008 3:10 pm

    Great job !

  21. Carla on January 29th, 2008 3:24 pm

    Beautiful! I love the meringue dots. Adorable.

  22. Butta Buns on January 29th, 2008 3:36 pm

    What an incredible blog you have here! Those tips surely are smokin’, so is the presentation!

  23. Maryann on January 29th, 2008 5:12 pm

    The last 2 photos are fantastic. Love your meringue :)

  24. courtney on January 29th, 2008 7:22 pm

    Stunning tarts and photos!

  25. Gabi on January 29th, 2008 9:04 pm

    Nice job on your tart! I piped mine the same way -they’re kind of fun with all the punky spikes :)
    xxoo

  26. Tiffany on January 29th, 2008 10:28 pm

    Aw, looks like a campfire marshmallow topping. Too cute and yummy looking!!!

  27. Andrea on January 29th, 2008 10:41 pm

    Rustic is good! Your tarlets look great!

  28. Barbara on January 29th, 2008 10:45 pm

    I love the way you plated the pie! Absolutely beautiful!

  29. Danielle on January 30th, 2008 1:52 am

    Simply gorgeous! My oven frequently *wins* when I’m trying to brown something under the broiler. Your tarts still look divine.

  30. Katie on January 30th, 2008 2:55 am

    I love how you have piped on your meringue, its just gorgeous

  31. Foodie Froggy on January 30th, 2008 3:39 am

    Oh, your pictures are beautiful ! Well, actually, with such gorgeous tartlets, how could you make ugly pictures ?! ;-))

  32. dhanggit on January 30th, 2008 8:10 am

    i must admit..your tartelettes are most beautiful that i have seen..im totally smitten!! great job for this month’s challenge :-)

  33. Janet on January 30th, 2008 9:27 am

    Wow- your husband’s photos are definitely professional. Not that your tarts aren’t lovely, too!! I read your profile- I also went to culinary school, worked in kitchens for lots of years, and now just do it for fun. I miss the performance of the restaurant, and I’m enjoying blogging- it’s a nice way to have an audience again.

  34. MyKitchenInHalfCups on January 30th, 2008 12:00 pm

    I’ll say: What a tart!
    Looks beautiful!

  35. venus on January 30th, 2008 2:51 pm

    Ooooo, your tartlettes are so beautifully done and garnish! Makes me want to reach into my computer and grab one for lunch ♥

  36. Madeleine on January 30th, 2008 3:31 pm

    Great job!!!!!

    Nice presentation of the LMP!!! Congratulations!

  37. Dolores on January 30th, 2008 6:10 pm

    I think your “rustic” tart shells are just beautiful. And I love the way your meringue kisses the curd. You’ve clearly got talent with the pastry bag. Great job!

  38. Jen Yu on January 31st, 2008 4:56 pm

    Check out that amazing plating! It’s gorgeous! Beautifully done.

  39. Tartelette on February 1st, 2008 1:08 am

    Love the sauce polka dots! Adorable tarts! Great job again on the challenge!

  40. Sara on February 1st, 2008 1:39 am

    I love those tarts! They are perfect - you did an incredible job with the meringue.

  41. Lisa on February 1st, 2008 5:56 pm

    Beauftiful! I’m jealous beyond all reason.

  42. brilynn on February 1st, 2008 6:30 pm

    Love the little dots, great presentation!

  43. steph on February 2nd, 2008 11:44 pm

    what a gorgeous presentation! and your meringue-work is beautiful…not too dark at all!

  44. Claire on February 3rd, 2008 6:30 pm

    This is just beautiful! I love your presentation.

  45. Chez Denise et Laudalino on February 7th, 2008 11:14 pm

    Great looking tarts - LOVE THEM! Your photos are fantastic!

  46. Marie on February 8th, 2008 1:29 pm

    This by far, has to be my favorite entry! Gorgeous, beautiful, and a perfect curl in the center!!! I’m in awe!!

  47. Ivonne on February 9th, 2008 6:46 pm

    If I looked that good … you could call me tart all the time! Beautiful!

  48. Nicole on February 23rd, 2008 2:43 am

    Wow, I love this website. It hasn’t been shut since I found it :). The meringue is so cool! I love it. Unfortunately, every time I bake a lemon meringue, the pie won’t set and I’ve ended up with several different lemon “soups”

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