| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 12g | 5g | 62g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 3g | 4g | 0.15g |
There’s something universally satisfying and undeniably crave-able about a well-crafted dessert, and this entertainingly simple, yet ingenious creation of a Salmonberry Tart, falls into precisely that category. Inspired by the summer bounty of my New England home and comforting whispers of Irish baking traditions, this fruit-based dessert quickly rose to become a household favorite.
The Beautiful Blend of Traditions
The recipe captures the very quintessence of a classic New England summer, when the bushes are lavishly bursting with native salmonberries. Though these tart, orange berries are not commonly found in traditional Irish baking, the simplicity and briskness of the Salmonberry Tart is reminiscent of a good, old Irish apple tart. Additionally, the joyful process of picking fresh salmonberries with my son is a nod to my Irish grandparents, who took great pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients from their own back garden.
A Healthful Indulgence
One may be pleasantly surprised at the health benefits associated with this berry: salmonberries are particularly rich in vitamin C. They also offer considerable amounts of fiber, as well as a modest but valuable punch of potassium and calcium. Sure, there’s sugar in there too, but life is all about balance, isn’t it? Let’s call it a ‘health-conscious indulgence’.
This delightful tart pairs beautifully with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It also happens to be a lovely summer accompaniment to my signature New England seafood chowder, taking the palate from savory to sweet in an unforgettable meal.
The Salmonberry Tart—a simple dessert carrying the warmth of the family, the spirit of New England, a dash of Irish heritage, and a legacy I hope to pass on to my son. After all, the best recipes are more than just ingredients and method—they are stories and traditions served on a plate.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh salmonberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar for sprinkling
- 1 cup of whipped cream for topping (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, prepare your pie crust. If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out to fit your tart pan. If you’re using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions to prepare it for baking.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the fresh salmonberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice. This mixture will serve as your tart filling. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
Step Three
Pour the salmonberry mixture into your prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly so that it covers the entire bottom of the crust.
Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this over the edges of your pie crust to give it a nice golden-brown finish when it bakes.
Step Five
Once your pie crust is prepared and your tart filling is in place, put the tart in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step Six
After the tart has finished baking, remove it from oven and let it cool completely. This will allow the filling to set and make the tart easier to slice and serve.
Step Seven
Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the tart with the coarse sugar. If you wish, you can also top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Slice into pieces and serve.
