summer berry tart with basil
a dessert to build self confidence,
no skill required
baking is basically chemistry
which can be discouraging. maybe you lack a certain prowess with dough or can barely preheat your oven. this isn't a perfect egg-washed-sugar-sprinkled golden crust on a pie or the *just-right* doneness of chocolate chip cookies. those feats are built on repetition, just like the neural routes you’ve dug deep in your brain. so let's forget about mastering a new skill immediately, and those lofty expectations, which could crush your soul and break your confidence. stay safe with a tart that's all hugs, grace and forgiveness. you'll make your blender and fridge do all the work but you get to claim the glory.
very vegan and very gluten free
ingredients
crust
10 pitted medjool dates
1 c almonds
½ c hazelnuts
½ c sunflower seeds
3 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
filling
1 c blackberries
1 c raspberries
2 c blueberries
3 stems basil
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lime juice
1 c coconut milk
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp agar agar
leftover berries + basil for ✨
directions
for the crust, pit and coarsely chop dates
in a pan without oil, roast nuts and seeds until they begin to crack
blend cooled nuts and seeds until not too coarse, but not yet ground to flour
add dates, melted coconut oil, and salt, blending until you get a sticky mess
transfer said sticky mess into springform pan (9 or 10in.)
using a large spoon, press mess into the form, create a ~1in. rim and refrigerate
for the filling, pick basil leaves from stems and finely purée berries with basil leaves
add coconut milk to fruit purée and sweeten to your taste with maple syrup and lime juice
in a saucepan, whisk in starch and agar-agar while stirring continuously, bring berry purée to a brief boil
let cool until lukewarm, stir occasionally
spread filling on cooled crust, shake the pan gently to avoid small air bubbles
place tart in refrigerator to set for at least four hours, garnish with berries rebuilding your confidence
invite new friends over to share in the glory
