Montenegrin Tarte Tatin

Ingredients

In the Montenegrin version of Tarte Tatin, we incorporate local ingredients and flavors to give it a unique twist. While the French version traditionally uses butter and white sugar, we use locally sourced honey and brown sugar to add a touch of Montenegrin sweetness. Additionally, we infuse the caramel sauce with a hint of local brandy, which adds a subtle warmth to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tarte Tatin, so you can check it out.

• 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and halved 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and halved
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 150g (3/4 cup) brown sugar 150g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon local brandy 1 tablespoon local brandy
• 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 sheet of puff pastry
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
• Carbohydrates: 46g (Sugars: 32g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a 9-inch oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the brown sugar, honey, and brandy to the skillet, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. 4.
   Arrange the apple halves, cut side down, in the skillet, fitting them tightly together.
5. 5.
   Cook the apples in the caramel sauce for about 10 minutes, until they start to soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit the size of the skillet and place it over the apples, tucking in the edges.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the Tarte Tatin onto the plate.
10. 10.
    Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious for the best texture and flavor.
• Puff pastry — If you prefer a homemade pastry, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch. However, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly fine and saves time.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the caramel from burning, keep an eye on it while cooking and adjust the heat if necessary.
• Serve the Tarte Tatin warm to fully enjoy the flavors and textures.
• If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the apples on the stovetop and transfer them to a baking dish before adding the pastry.

Serving advice

Serve the Montenegrin Tarte Tatin warm, either directly from the skillet or inverted onto a serving plate. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can dust the Tarte Tatin with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce.