The first thing I am going to do when I get to heaven is bake my Grandmother this Pear Tart. My grandparents lived on a farm. There was everything on that farm, but coffee, flour, and spices. I know because she would take me to the A & P on a Saturday. I can still remember the smell of that store and the fresh ground coffee.
My Mom said that Grandpa took baskets of food to the Ursuline nuns during the Depression since they had an abundance of food and the nuns did not. I can’t believe how self-sustaining that farm was. There was fish in the ponds. There were cows, and pigs. On one side of the house were peach trees and beehives. There was an apple orchard and pecan trees and walnut trees further down the lane.
We would visit each Sunday. There were so many of us that only grandparents could appreciate us. We would yell out the car window that we hoped our Grandmother had ice cream thinking she could hear us from the turn in the lane. Mom would hush us. We were nice kids, but at times we were heathens.
After we had Sunday dinner, we played outside under the grape arbor so Mom and our Grandmother could chat. Then later in the day if we were good and very quiet so not to scare the chickens we would be taken to chicken house to pick up eggs and feed and water the chickens.
Next to the chicken house was the fenced garden, and in that garden was a huge pear tree. I have to say I did not appreciate that pear tree when I was little, but remember how big it seemed.
She canned jars of pears by the dozens, and made cakes. I don’t remember eating a pear tart, but I think she would appreciate this one. There is no way I could repay her for all the Sunday dinners she cooked us, but I would give it my best try. This one’s for you Mattie.
- 1 sheet of Puffed Pastry
- ⅓ cup almond paste
- 4 pears
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- ¼ sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- a squeeze of lemon juice to keep pears from discoloring.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Mise en Place ~ Gather Ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Place the sheet of puff pastry on a piece of parchment.
- Score the puff pastry about three-quarter inch in - don’t cut through.
- Sprinkle the ground almonds within the scored dough – not to the edges.
- Cream together cream cheese, sugar, then add the egg and vanilla.
- Top puff pastry with mixture.
- Peel pears; slice thinly and squeeze lemon juice over them to avoid discoloring.
- Sprinkle a spoon of sugar over the pears.
- Place the pears onto cream cheese.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Cool on a cooling rack.
- Baste top of fruit with a clear jam.
I am taking this to
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I think you grandmother would be thrilled with your pear tart. I know I would be. Your time with you grandmother on her farm sounds like you had a lovely and stable childhood where you learn the value of food and friendship.
Sam
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Sam. We had a good time going to her house.
Penny says
Your Grandmother would be proud Madonna. The tart is beautiful. I just finished eating a pear at my computer this morning right before I read your post. Too funny.
Ms. Lemon says
Tis the season for pears. We need to make the most of them. Thanks for stopping by.
Adri says
Beautiful! There is nothing as good as a pear tart. Apples, while nice, are just not as wonderful. This one looks so good – perfect for a fall dessert.
Ms. Lemon says
I have to confess that I having only acquired an appreciation in the last few years, but I am making up for lost time. Thanks for stopping by. I love comments from everyone, but especially good cooks.
Ms. Lemon says
My problem is I like both Adri.
Lorrie says
Loved reading your story of Sundays at your grandparents. And the pear tart looks amazing. Your grandmother would be pleased!
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Lorrie. I don’t know how she stood us, not that we were bad, only there were so many of us. When we would leave she would say, “See you next week”. Amazingly she would always keep one or two of us until the next week when it was one of the other’s turn. Now that I think about it she was/is a saint.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Such fun memories. My grandmother lived on a farm as well and I spent many a summer day there, so many similar memories. My cousin and I always fed the chickens but sometimes we were quite naughty and had egg fights. If grandma knew she might have cried. I’m glad she didn’t know. This pear tart looks heavenly – I love everything about it.
Ms. Lemon says
That is so funny. My sister just reminded me how we were told to walk quietly through the chicken house. When my grandmother would turn her head my sister would fluff her skirt to watch the chickens scatter. Who knew we could derive such fun memories in a chicken yard.
As for the pears, every time I see them of think of her and that big tree. Bless her, she was a saint.
Thanks for your kind words. Your food and photos are always so perfect.
Kitty says
Awww Madonna, I loved this post for all the sweet memories that you shared. Your very first sentence, just warmed my heart. I could just picture all of you kids a on the farm and your grandma and mom chatting together. How sweet of your grandpa to share food with the nuns.
I’m sure your grandma is smiling down from heaven at your gorgeous pear tart and knowing that you have her in your heart and soul.
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
Hi there, I hopped over from Make It Monday! This looks absolutely delicious–I’m sure your grandmother would be proud! Blessings, Cecilia
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I so enjoyed the story of your visits to your grandparents farm. I felt like I was there with you. I know your grandmother would be pleased with this story and the tart. 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks for stopping by Karen. I think my Grandmother may laugh and say, “More pears?” That tree was huge. It was 3 times as large as the apple trees.
Lauren says
I just wrote a very similar post about my Nanny Arlene last week. I feel like I grew up in her kitchen. Those were very special times and I can tell you had a grandmother who was wonderful like mine. Would love if you linked up with us at Mommy Needs a Timeout Thursday. We party starting at 8 pm EST on Wednesdays! Hope to see you there!
Lauren
http://twintestedpinapproved.wordpress.com
John@Kitchen Riffs says
What a terrific looking tart! We make more apple tarts than pear, but pear really is probably better. We should make this! Thanks for a great recipe.
Ms. Lemon says
Me too John. Only in the last few years have I learned to appreciate pears, but omg this is so good. I feel awkward saying that since I made it. I don’t mean it as a brag, but only to pass on to anyone that will listen this makes a great tart. And the pears made me nostalgic for my Grandmother.
Thanks for stopping by.
M.
Monique says
I love tarts.. and pear trees:)
Ms. Lemon says
Yes, Monique, me too. Thank you for stopping by and looking at my pear tart.
Stephanie says
Looks delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
What precious memories. I love hearing your story of time with your grandmother. And the pear tart looks amazing!
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Yvonne. Since I started my blog old memories just pop into my head. I am glad they are good memories. 🙂
Daniela says
Don’t blame you that this is the first thing to do on your short list when going to heaven!
Mine would probably be to taste this wonderful treat 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Daniela, I have become very sentimental since starting my blog, and when I see pears I think of my Grandmother. Thanks for visiting, I love hearing from you.
M.
Miz Helen says
Hi Madonna,
I love this Pear Tart and will be making it very soon, hope mine looks as pretty as yours. Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Ms. Lemon says
Oh Helen, please let me know your thoughts after you make it. It really is so easy.
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your new Red Plate.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Winnie says
YUMMY !!
This looks so good 🙂
Weird but I’ve never made pear tart. It’s about to change now 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Winnie, The pears are so delicate, I think you will really like it.