The holidays are the perfect time to mix a little tradition with something new, and what better way to do so than with a dessert straight from Tuscany? This year, instead of the usual cookies or pie, why not try your hand at a crostata? This delightful jam tart brings the flavors of Italy to your table and offers a heartwarming treat for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy winter evening.
| Servings |
- .75 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Egg Yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 8 oz butter melted and cooled
- grated zest of orange or lemon
- 2.75 cup Flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.25 cups wild plum jam or other fruit jam like apricot or blueberry
Ingredients
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- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter then line a 12-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Make a parchment paper sling to help remove the crostata from the pan after baking. Cut a strip of parchment paper 2-inches wide and at least 16 inches long. Lay the strip in the pan. Allow the extra paper to hang over the sides of the pan.
- Whisk together the sugar, egg yolks and whole egg in a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the melted butter. Add the zest, flour and baking powder. Stir until it comes together into a soft dough.
- Set aside approximately one cup of the dough. Spoon the remaining thick dough into the prepared pan. Using your fingers, press the dough into an even layer that covers the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides.
- Warm the jam so that it will spread easier. Then, pour the warm jam over the dough in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.
- Place remaining dough on a floured work surface. Knead it then roll it about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into thin strips. Position the strips in a lattice pattern on top of the jam.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the edges of the crust are golden and the lattice is firm.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool use the parchment paper slip to carefully lift the crostata out of the pan.
Crostata is a cherished dessert in the quaint village of Montefollonico, home to the renowned Tuscan Women Cook program. This rustic tart, often filled with seasonal jams like wild plum or apricot, is a favorite for both dessert and breakfast. Its buttery, golden crust and luscious filling make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.
One of the beauties of this dessert is its simplicity—it’s easy to prepare, but the result is stunning. Whether you serve it as a centerpiece at your holiday feast or as a sweet surprise on a quiet winter night, crostata embodies the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
Tuscan Women Cook celebrates this tradition in their week-long culinary immersion program, where local nonne (grandmothers) share family recipes passed down through generations. This crostata recipe comes straight from those lessons, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany for your holiday celebrations.
Ready to give it a try? You can find the full recipe below. Bring the warmth and tradition of an Italian village to your home this season. Buon appetito!
For more about Tuscan Women Cook and their culinary experiences, visit www.TuscanWomenCook.com.