A Yummy Summertime Treat!

Here is a wonderful recipe for one of our favorite summertime treats. A rustic Strawberry Rhubarb Tart. I was out shopping this morning and stopped at a local produce stand and was amazed to see that they were still getting Rhubarb in. So I grabbed a bunch and I am going to put one of these delicious tarts together tonight for dessert. By the way it goes perfectly with French Vanilla ice cream.

• About 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• About 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (3/8 lb.) butter or margarine
• 2 cups sliced strawberries (1/2 in. thick)
• 2 cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 in. thick; about 2/3 lb.)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1. In a food processor or a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Cut all but 2 teaspoons butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Whirl or rub in with your fingers until fine crumbs form. Add 1/4 cup water; whirl or stir with a fork just until dough holds together. Pat into a smooth 5-inch round. Wrap airtight and freeze until slightly firm, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, gently mix strawberries, rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and cardamom.

3. On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a 14-inch round. Slide onto a 14- by 17-inch baking sheet; if dough tears, press back together.

4. Stir berry mixture; spoon evenly onto pastry, leaving a 3-inch border. Fold dough border over edges of fruit, tucking to incorporate excess pastry.

5. Melt remaining 2 teaspoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave oven at full power (100%), about 15 seconds. Brush pastry rim with butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.

6. Bake in a 375° regular or 350° convection oven until pastry is browned and fruit bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.

7. Let cool at least 30 minutes. Slide a long metal spatula under pastry to release. Slide pie onto a platter. Serve warm or cool. Cut into wedges.

Enjoy!

Dawn