| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 395 | 16g | 10g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 4g | 3g | 0.2g |
You know what I love? Seasonal, regional flavors, like those in this wonderful Apple and Mace Tart recipe. With my roots in New England, I tend to gravitate toward seafood – but this region also boasts a deep history of apple cultivation and this recipe pays homage to that legacy. And while it may seem like a bit of a departure from my usual sea salt-infused endeavors, this dessert exhibits the same character of simplicity and freshness that’s essential to every great recipe. 
A Balance of Flavors
What fascinates me about this Apple and Mace Tart recipe is the balance it strikes. The tartness of the apples, the sweet undertones of the brown sugar, the citrus notes from a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and the unique spice of mace, create a blend of flavors that truly dances on the palate. It is reminiscent of traditional apple pies, or even the well-loved tart tatin, but the introduction of mace gives it a unique twist that makes it stand out.
Nourishing and Nutritious
But it’s not just the flavors that make this recipe a winner. When I’m not creating this dish for my daughters Erin and Samantha, I love that I’m preparing something that is nourishing as well as delicious. Apples are a wonderful source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Meanwhile, mace, often overlooked in the spice world, has an array of health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion. Together, they make this dessert a sweet deal in more ways than one!
When it comes to pairing, this tart is quite versatile. Being a fruit-based dessert, it can follow virtually any meal – although my personal favorite is pairing it with a fresh garden salad or a hearty seafood chowder.
So why do I love the Apple and Mace Tart? It’s simple. In every bite, it feels like I’m getting a little bit closer to the heart of New England – and creating healthier, scrumptious, and diverse meals for my family and readers like you. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the unique, flavorful blend for yourself. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoons of mace
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons of ice water
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp mace, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add in the chilled unsalted butter pieces and work them into the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles coarse sand.
Step Two
Slowly drizzle in the ice water, mixing as you go, until the dough just holds together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it slightly to bring it together. Roll the dough out into a 1/4-inch thick circle and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges and prick the bottom all over with a fork. Place the tart shell in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step Three
In another large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spices.
Step Four
Take the chilled tart shell out of the refrigerator and arrange the apple slices on top, overlapping them slightly. Pour any leftover juice from the apple mixture over the top.
Step Five
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Let it cool in the tart pan for 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the pan and let it cool completely before serving.
