Pear tarte tatin

I had been wondering what the heck happened to Asian chef Ming Tsai, who used to be on the Food Network almost 24/7. I loved watching Ming’s East Meets West show, and I would look SO forward to watching it!

I used to hate Chinese food (hated it!). Ming was the one chef who got me to explore that cuisine and learn to enjoy it. Although Ming’s Asian style of cooking is more fusion and experimental, that was the closest I could get to eating Chinese anything.

Japanese sushi, teriyaki, tempura and udon I’ll certainly do. I will be the first to order coconut lemongrass soup, Pad Thai, and Thai spring rolls at a Thai restaurant. Vietnamese food is incredibly pretty, and I love phở. Mongolian and Malaysian specialties - bring it on!

But for some reason, I just couldn’t get with Chinese food. Maybe because here in the U.S., Chinese food tends to be so Americanized and greasy.

Or perhaps it was all the heavy pseudo-Chinese food I inhaled in my late-night, bar-hopping college days that did me in.

Anyway, this post isn’t even about Chinese food. It’s about a wonderful French pear tarte tatin by amazing pastry chef Gale Gand. Ming featured this recipe on his web site. It was snag-worthy.

Gale Gand’s Pear Tarte Tatin

Serves 6 to 8

1 sheet puff pastry
1 recipe Jasmine Caramel Sauce, reduced by 50 percent
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons vanilla brandy
2 tablespoons orange juice
4 to 5 ripe pears, peeled, halved and seed packet removed with a melon baller
Whipped cream or ice cream for serving

Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Thaw the sheet of puff pastry and cut a round disk out using a 9-inch cake pan as your guide but cut it 1-inch bigger all around. In the same 9-inch cake pan, warm the caramel over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Add the cinnamon stick and stir to combine. Stir in the brandy and orange juice to deglaze the pan and continue cooking until it becomes a smooth caramel. Remove the cake pan from the heat and then place the pear halves in the pan in a spoke pattern.

Return the pan to the stove and cook on low for 20 minutes to tenderize the pears somewhat. Top the pears with the round of puff pastry, draping it over the edge of the pan (don’t worry, it will shrink during baking). Bake 20 to 25 minutes at 425ºF, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let cool in the pan to set the caramel. The pectin the fruit has given off will help set the juices. Turn upside down onto a plate and remove the pan to serve. You may need to warm the bottom of the pan slightly over a hot burner to allow the tart to release from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, in slices, with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream.

Serve with Ambazillac Cuvée Mademoiselle or a pot of dark roasted coffee.