When yellow Rainiers are at their peak, this gorgeous dessert is a must (you can also make it with red cherries, of course). Just a hint of sharp cheddar adds a unique, unexpected element. “I like a slice topped with salted caramel or vanilla ice cream,” says chef Frank Magaña.
Rainier Cherry Tart with Cougar Gold Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 (10-inch) piecrust dough homemade or store bought
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh Rainier (yellow) cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
TOPPING
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup Cougar Gold Cheese (or any sharp white cheddar cheese), crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Roll out piecrust and fit into bottom and up sides of a 10-inch tart pan. Prick crust with a fork; refrigerate for 15 minutes. Line crust with aluminum foil or parchment paper and cover with uncooked rice or beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and rice or beans; bake 5-10 minutes more, until lightly golden. (This process is called blind baking.) Remove from oven; reduce oven heat to 350°. Allow crust to cool for about 5 minutes.
- While crust bakes, in a bowl toss together cherries, raisins, brown sugar, lemon zest and juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
- Make topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and almonds; cut in cold butter until a coarse consistency. Do not overmix.
- Spoon cherry mixture into prebaked tart shell. Top with cheese crumbles and topping mixture. Bake for 25-35 minutes; watch carefully so topping doesn't get too dark. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Rainier Cherry Tart with Cougar Gold Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198
Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g
15%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 9mg
3%
Sodium 108mg
5%
Total Carbohydrates 25g
8%
Protein 4g
8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
PER SERVING: 198 cal, 10g fat (4g mono, 2g poly, 4g sat), 9mg chol, 4g protein, 25g carb, 3 fi ber, 108mg sodium
