Tuesday, October 19, 2010

TWD: Caramel Pumpkin Tart



This week's recipe was chosen by Janell of Mortensen Family Memoirs on pages 322-323.

It features a sweet, caramel twist on your standard pumpkin pie.
Dorie said to go dark with the caramel. I think I went a little TOO dark! There ended up being some blackened bits that I didn't scrape into the final product. I was afraid that the whole thing would taste like burnt sugar, but my fears were soon alleviated when I tried the first forkful.



I'm still trying to accustom myself to the texture of pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin spice-flavored treats like pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin loaf, I just don't like the custardy texture of pumpkin PIE. I opted to make 2 thin 8" tarts instead of 1 deep 9" pie. The ratio of sweet, buttery crust to rich, complex pumpkin filling was just right for me.

Bonus: My kitchen smelled soooo good. It trumped any pumpkin pie Yankee Candle I've ever smelled :)

25 comments:

Holly said...

My hubby would LOVE this with the caramel and pumpkin!!

Judy said...

Your pie looks delicious. I went as dark as I dared with my caramel, but it was too bitter for me. Lighter next time.

cocoa and coconut said...

Never tried pumpkin pie, but I've always been intrigued. I really must do it while the pumpkin is beautiful in colour at the moment! Yours looks so pretty and smooth

Cakelaw said...

Your pie looks so good - that dollop of cream on top makes it.

Anonymous said...

YOur tart looks so sleek! Delicious!

Jules Someone said...

Yours looks really delicious! It was not a hit at my house. Too bitter and the rum flavor was a bit too strong.

Beth said...

Lovely!!! I like the look of the tart.

Cindy said...

Dories crust is so good I am all for the tart idea! Looks delish.

Leslie said...

I'm with you on the texture of pumpkin pie...it's just not my favorite! Your looks great and sounds like the perfect compromise!

Unknown said...

Looks good Tia.... it even looks like it smels good and Pumpkin is one of my favorite scents

Jessica of My Baking Heart said...

Your tart slice is so pretty, Tia! :) Lovely job!

steph- whisk/spoon said...

i love the sleek look of your tart!

Peggy said...

You are too funny. . but right. The smell was awesome. I did not like this pie however.

Danielle said...

Your tart looks great! I should get that candle.. I'd love my house to smell like pumpkin pie all the time(:

Jessica said...

Your pie looks fantastic! So dark and smooth!

Unknown said...

Looks sophisticated! A Sexy dessert. I LOVE that candle & have one in my home.

Anonymous said...

Ooooh, I bet caramel and pumpkin are fabulous together! Yum! And don't you just love those Yankee candles? They always smell sooo good!

The Mortensens said...

Your dessert looks beautiful as usual! I'm glad it wasn't too dark for you.

Thanks for baking along with me this week!

Mary said...

Your tart looks so elegant, which is the opposite of what pumpkin pie usually is. Glad you are acquiring a taste for pumpkin pie.
:)

scrambledhenfruit said...

I love the smell of pumpkin pie baking- I bet your kitchen smelled amazing!

Hindy said...

I love the look of that thin tart. A beautiful variation!

spike. said...

caramel is tricky- so easy to go too far in seconds! your pie looks beautiful

Jacque said...

Yep, definitely better than a candle. Your tarts looks so sleek and elegant. Nice job.

Nickki said...

Looks delicious! The smell of this pie baking also drove me crazy. It was the first time I had ever even eaten pumpkin pie! Thankfully I loved it :-)

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

Glad this tuned out so well. I am not a fan of the pumpkin pie texture either...