Pear Tarte Tartin

Caramelising the tarte

The final result

Fresh from the oven

Always a touch afraid of baking a pear tart, I have looked longingly at recipes but never ventured any further. So on Baking Mad when I was presented with no other choice than to bake the damn thing - I damn well did. Part of the fear is the bubbling sugar and butter. This to me equals a fast track to A+E. With care, confidence and a calm hand I caramelised the butter and sugar (a lot longer than I would have thought). you then place the fabulously firm pairs (yes firm) into the pan and then continue to boil. Again for much longer than I would ever have dared. The result - well the pictures do it justice. Using all butter puff pastry for the base (and yes it ok to buy supermarket puff pastry - just make sure it's all butter), you're onto a winner. I have already made this again since the course (last Thursday) and it was well received by Helen and Dave. So my new adventures as a tart-maker have just begun.

Baking Mad

Baking Mad is the perfect name for an autumnal baking day hosted by "Cake Boy" Eric Lanard. Famed for his Glamour Puds show on Channel 4, he conducts various baking courses at his cafe/kitchen location in Battersea. A birthday present for me ( yes 40) - and a whole day baking. I was in heaven. A nice bunch of people (one had flown in from Italy) we all baked chocolate, pecan and pumpkin cake, ale fruit loaf (with chocolate ale) and I learnt how to perfect a pear tarte tartin. With wine and a fabulous cooked lunch, this was a baking class with class. Eric didn't just introduce himself then hand over to an assistant. He was with us the whole day, instructing providing tips and was great fun. These courses don't come cheap, but it comes highly recommended. Thanks to Eric and his team for a fantastic day.