This autumn, we craved something exceptional, and we found it in the Tarte Tatin, a renowned French dessert. It's all about caramelized apples atop a delicate, flaky pastry crust. The story behind its creation adds to its charm, with the Tatin sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline, said to have invented it at their Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, back in the late 19th century.
As the legend goes, the sisters were attempting a regular apple pie one day. But fate had other plans. Stéphanie accidentally overcooked the apples in sugar and butter. In a moment of brilliance, she covered the mishap with pastry and baked it. When they flipped it to serve, they discovered a delightful upside-down apple tart with perfectly caramelized apples and a golden crust.
This happy accident became a hit at the Hotel Tatin, making it the establishment's signature dish. Eventually, the Tarte Tatin gained fame far beyond Lamotte-Beuvron, becoming a cherished classic in French cuisine.
While the precise origin story might be up for debate, one thing is certain – the enduring appeal of Tarte Tatin. It's now a staple in French pastry shops and restaurants worldwide, known for its delicious blend of caramelized apples and buttery pastry. Today, it's often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding to its decadent allure.
Our Tarte Tatins like all of our pies, are made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. They'll be available in the first week of October 2023 for pickup or delivery in Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia. You can order them online at https://jollysmillpond.com/bakery.