It’s hot here and no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen making anything. Consequently, this recipe is designed with that in mind. Also, I have a dinner party to attend and I want something simple but delicious to bring. The recipe is easy. But the beautiful red gooseberries, sitting like rare jewels on top make the tart look so deceptively fancy.
This Gooseberry Lemon Cream Tart is so easy!
Gooseberries:
Gooseberries are small, round fruits that grow on bushes and belong to the Ribes genus.
Characteristics
Appearance: Gooseberries are green, red, yellow, or white, and their size varies from a pea to a grape.
Taste: They range in flavor from tart to sweet, depending on their ripeness and variety.
Texture: The skin is often thin but slightly hairy (eeww), while the flesh inside is juicy and contains small, edible seeds.
Culinary Uses
Raw Consumption: Eat them fresh. However, the tarter varieties might make you pucker up.
Cooking: Gooseberries are great in jams, jellies, pies, and crumbles.
Beverages: They flavor beverages like cordials and wines.
Nutritional Value
Vitamins: Gooseberries are rich in vitamins C and A.
Fiber: They provide a good amount of dietary fiber.
Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body.
Gooseberries Fun Fact!
Folklore: In some folklore, fairies love gooseberries. So, if you find a fairy circle in your garden, don’t be surprised if there’s a gooseberry bush nearby!
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis):
Appearance
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family that emits a mild lemon scent when crushed.
History
Lemon balm has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it for its soothing properties. A favorite in medieval gardens, it was believed to promote longevity and chase away melancholy.
Uses
Culinary: Lemon balm leaves add a citrusy flavor to salads, soups, stews, and sauces. Steep them in hot water to make a refreshing tea or add to cocktails and beverages for a zesty twist.
Medicinal: Known for its calming effects, lemon balm is often used to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Furthermore, it also relieves digestive issues, headaches, and cold sores due to its antiviral properties.
Gardening: Lemon balm is a great addition to any herb garden. It attracts bees and other pollinators, making it beneficial for the ecosystem.
Lemon Balm Fun Facts:
Lemon balm’s scientific name, “Melissa,” is derived from the Greek word for “bee,” reflecting its attraction to pollinators.
It was a key ingredient in “Carmelite Water,” a herbal tonic made by Carmelite nuns in the 14th century for reducing stress and anxiety.
Historically, lemon balm polished furniture and floors due to its pleasant aroma and slight antibacterial properties.
In conclusion, lemon balm is a versatile herb that not only enhances culinary dishes but also supports wellness and adds beauty to gardens.
Gooseberry Lemon Balm Tart
Ingredients
- 2 pints fresh gooseberries red or green
- 1 8oz package cream cheese softened or room temperature
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract substitute pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh lemon balm
- 1 package puff pastry 10oz
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment or baking paper.
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Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar.
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Beat in the cream.
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Add the lemon extract and zest and beat until combined.
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Mix in the fresh lemon balm
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Roll the puff pastry out into a rectangle or square shape.
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Spread the lemon-scented cream over the top of the puff pastry. Make sure to leave a 1-inch frame all around on the edges.
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Arrange the gooseberries on top of the cream.
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Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cut and serve.
Like this Gooseberry Lemon Cream Tart? Also, check out these other delicious recipes:
GOOSEBERRY CARAMEL STREUSEL CAKE
LEMON BALM CREAM CABBAGE
