Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Red Wine Grape Tart


Well ladies, I think I've done it; found a cure for PMS that is!  Why didn't I find this recipe sooner?  I went into Costco the other day and they were handing out free cookbooks, "Smart Cooking The Costco Way, (yes).  There are tons of good recipes in it, but this grape tart really caught my eye.  It had wine jello on top of it, what evil genius thought of that idea.  Please call me so we can hang out.  With some tweaks, this beautiful tart was born.

I've made two tarts in a row now.  There is just something about making a tart that makes you just a tad bit classier.  You could be sitting on the couch in your underwear drinking a beer and eating a piece of tart and all of a sudden you are putting your pinky in the air and asking the butler (hubs) to bring you a scone!


Crust
1/2 cup whole almonds, raw
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 egg yolk

To prepare the crust, finely grind almonds in a food processor.  Add sugar, flour and butter; pulse until combined.  Add egg yolk and process until the dough forms a ball.  Press over the bottom and sides of a greased 11" x 1.125" tart pan or 10" spring form pan with removable bottom.  Bake in 325 degree F oven for 25 minutes until golden brown.  Let cool.


Cream Cheese Filling
6  ozs. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. lemon zest

In a small bowl or mixer combine, cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon zest, mix until well combined.  Set aside.

Red Wine Jello
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups red wine (I used a Shiraz, use any red wine you would drink)

In a two quart saucepan, combine gelatin, sugar and wine.  Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.  Chill for about 15-20 minutes, until it starts to thicken a bit.

Also needed
2 lbs. or so red seedless grapes, washed and dried

After crust is cooled, spread the layer of cream cheese and arrange grapes on top.  Pour thickened jello over grapes and chill until completely set.  You will want to let the tart sit out for a few minutes prior to serving.


Don't forget the whipped cream;  I taste tested it for all of you, matter of fact, it was so good, I went back and tested it again for you.  


Okay, maybe it's not a cure, but it sure is worth a shot.  If all else fails drink the rest of the bottle of leftover wine!  If you want to find out more about the book, go visit my friend Christina at Teenie Cakes, she did a really great post about the books.

Enjoy,

Gina

23 comments:

  1. That tart is incredibly beautiful!!! Bet it tasted every bit as good too. Hope you have a wonderful day :-) Kate

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  2. Gina! You have made me one happy girl. I am turning into a tart girl myself, and I'm always looking for new recipes. This looks both delicious and inventive. I've never tried anything like it. Thank you so much for sharing with me. Happy Hump Day!

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  3. Hi Gina,
    Now I have to go to Costco hoping they still have that book; your tart looks amazing!I can almost taste it.
    Thank you for visiting me. a great little idea for you mom; Print out my Golden Rules. She might just go for it.
    Rita

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  4. Gina, the red wine tart looks fantastic! Wish a large slice now!

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  5. Gina-I have never seen this recipe. It is GORGEOUS! You did an amazing job. It looks so tempting. Love the addition of red wine. I hope you are having a wonderful week:)

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  6. i envy the way you sliced the tart, it's just so clean :) it looks amazing and i'm sure it tastes just as lovely. i wish i could have a slice :)

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  7. This is a very interesting tart Gina. Nicely done.

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  8. I am so making this...looking for it now in that cookbook. I do adore tarts too...became hooked on a trip to Seattle and had a couple of slices of an amazing apple tart at a French bakery. Hooked!

    Wow! This Red Wine Grape Tart is elegant and all grown-up. Thanks for sharing your results. :)

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  9. Gina, wow! This tart looks incredible. I've never seen anything like it before. Yet, it makes perfect sense. Wine, grapes, cream cheese filling - yum! And such a gorgeous photo. Foodbuzzing you! Hope it makes top 9!

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  10. So you sit at the kitchen table in your underwear holding your pinky up? LOL! Gina I can always count on you to brighten my day. Your tart sounds delish and looks so classy and beautiful. I am a big fan of Shiraz so I know I would love it! It may not be a cure but it sure will help.

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  11. What a beautiful tart. I'm sure it's delicious.

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  12. You crack me up...I am sure your "butler" does not mind, since he has treats like this as payment :)
    Beyond gorgeous!

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  13. This does not look like a tart for the upper crust, it looks like a wonderful down to earth dessert and you and I are thinking alike because I've been wanting to try making a tart like this:)
    Have a nice weekend Gina.

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  14. Oh my goodness, Gina this is gorgeous! I am always surprised by some of the great recipes I find in odd places, like grocery store flyers. I can see how this would help with the PMS!

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  15. What a gorgeous tart and that cream cheese filling just makes it all the more appealing to me. By the way, I'm holding a giveaway on my blog for Orglamix Organic makeup and you're welcome to come by and enter. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2010/12/orglamix-organic-mineral-makeup-review.html

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  16. This looks fantastic! Would it be wring to say it's like a sophisticated twist on a retro jello mold? In a good way of course!

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  17. Wow, that looks really, really good. Did it taste like grape jelly at all? I had one experience with cooked grapes and didn't like it. I'd love to try this but want to make sure first. :) Of course, with the wine, who cares maybe. Right?

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  18. Wine jello!?! What a fantastic idea. This looks so different and yet delicious. Definitely something to try :)

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  19. I sure could use this NOW grrr lol :) It looks so delicious! Don't see many desserts featuring the amazingness that is red grapes. Will pass this along and bookmark for next month! Thanks for sharing, Gina!!

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  20. Now that's what I call inventive. Never heard of such a dish!

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  21. the cure for PMS was found, yeeee
    the tart looks amazing, love the cream cheese additions. thanks for sharing
    have a wonderful weekend

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  22. Hi Gina
    Nice to be acquainted.
    I saw your post at Chef Dennis and immediately came round to visit your work.
    Well done, awesome Blog. Great recipes and photos.
    Wishing you a lovely Christmas ♥

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