Praline Tart

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

   Tip: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. 2

   Make the pastry crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and brown sugar. Add the cold butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about 3 mm. Transfer the dough to a 23 cm (9 in) tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges and press the dough into the corners of the pan.

4. 4

   Prick the bottom of the pastry crust with a fork to prevent it from bubbling up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove the parchment paper and pie weights or beans. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

6. 6

   Make the praline filling: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, muscovado sugar, and 20g of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture turns a deep amber color.

7. 7

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and melted butter. Add the pecan halves and vanilla extract, and stir to combine. Pour the praline filling into the baked tart shell and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. 8

   Bake the tart for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

9. 9

   Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

10. 10

    Once the tart has cooled, use a sharp knife to loosen it from the pan. Slice the tart into 6-8 pieces and serve.