Tarte tatin

Tarte tatin

Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert, specifically a type of tart that is traditionally made with apples caramelized in butter and sugar before being baked with a top crust. The dish is named after the Tatin sisters who are credited with its creation.

History

The Tarte Tatin was first created in the late 19th century by the Tatin sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline, who ran the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, a small rural town in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val de Loire region in central France. The tart was supposedly created by accident when Stéphanie, who was overworked one day, left apples for a traditional apple pie to cook too long in butter and sugar. Trying to rescue the dish, she put the pastry base on top and put the pan in the oven. She served it upside-down, and the result was a resounding success with the hotel's guests.

Preparation

The Tarte Tatin is made by first caramelizing apples in butter and sugar, then baking them with a layer of pastry on top. Once the tart is cooked, it is inverted onto a plate so that the apples are on top and the crust is on the bottom. The apples used in a Tarte Tatin are usually a firm variety such as Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Braeburn.

Variations

While the traditional Tarte Tatin is made with apples, variations of the dish can be made with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or plums. There are also savory versions of the Tarte Tatin that use ingredients like tomatoes, onions, or root vegetables.

In popular culture

The Tarte Tatin has been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and books, often as a symbol of French cuisine and culture. It is also a popular dish in French cooking competitions and has been featured on shows like MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off.

See also

• List of French desserts
• List of pies, tarts and flans
• French cuisine