Chocolate and Vanilla Tart

As chocolate plays an intricate part of romance and being wooed in general I thought that this was the perfect dessert for a romantic meal for two. Last year I posted this recipe and a vegetarian meal of Butternut Squash and Feta Filo Parcels as the main course. I thought that I should spruce up the photography for this decilate and fingerlicking of dessert in order to it justice. I think that no romantic meal is complete without chocolate and this is my pièce de résistance for any meal..... a dark chocolate and vanilla pie served with soft whipped cream and a dusting of icing sugar....perfect!

Jam Tarts

Long story short my son thinks that when the Vikings pillaged Ireland they came for, wait for it Jam Tarts! Now how, I hear you ask did he come up with that, well I have to say I am to blame!

Reminds Me Of Home Apple Tart

This was the one recipe that I remember from home the most, it hot from the oven and with sweet custard. My mother had a tin plate that was black from use but it didn't diminish the taste in any way!

Serves 6-8

Ingredients
400g Shortcrust Pastry or ready rolled pastry
2 Large Cooking Apples
3 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
Pinch of Cinnamon
2 tbsp Milk

Method
Preheat the oven to 230ºC/450ºF/Gas Mark 8 and grease a 24cm round ovenproof plate.

Roll out one third of the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line the oven proof plate. Core, peel and thinly slice apples and layer onto the plate. Sprinkle with the sugar.

Roll out the remainder of the pastry, use a pastry brush to brush the bottom layer with milk and place the lid on top. Use your fingers to seal the two layers and trim.

Cut an X to let the seam out and brush all over with the remainder of the milk.

Place on an oven baking tray (to catch any escaping juices) and bake at 230ºC/450ºF/Gas Mark 8  for 10 minutes reduce the temp to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4 and bake for further 25 minutes.

Serve with fresh whipped cream, custard or ice-cream.