Dried-Fruit Star-Lattice Tart

Name: Dried-Fruit Star-Lattice Tart
Yield: Makes one 11-inch tart
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, for dusting; Pâte Brisée (page 322; omit sugar); 4 cups water; 3/4 cup Cognac or other brandy; 1 cup sugar; 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise and scraped; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 (1-inch) strips orange zest; 5 whole cloves; 1 1/2 cups dried apricots (11 ounces), preferably California; 1 cup pitted prunes; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 1 large egg yolk, for egg wash; 2 tablespoons heavy cream, for egg wash; Créme fraîche, for serving

January 24, 2012

A lattice crust is easily altered to replicate a number of artisanal basketweave designs, such as this striking six-point star pattern. The filling is also out of the ordinary—a blend of dried, not fresh, fruits is poached in a fragrant spiced syrup.

Recipe notes

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