A Slice of Summer Berry Tart

Here's a little tart that just shrieks "summer."  It's one of those wonderful, rare examples of very little effort = maximum effect.  I try hard to find as many of these examples as I can.  The crust is a baked graham cracker base, so no fiddling around making pastry, just a bit of stirring.  The filling, I think is the magic ingredient here, it's basically mascarpone cheese with a few flavors mixed in.  The topping is of course the best that summer can offer. Fresh organic berries, free of any sugary glaze, just sitting proudly on top in all

their glory.

It's a wonderful tart if you're out to impress but can't really be bothered to put the effort in.  It can be made ahead of time and assembled in a flash just before serving.  No real artistry is required, the berries do all the work.

Here's what you'll need for a slice of summer;

1 1/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup of melted butter

1 tablespoon of sugar

1 lb tub of mascarpone cheese

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

1/4 cup of confectioner's sugar

Zest and juice of a lemon

Heat the oven to 350F

Melt the butter in the microwave

Mix the crumbs and sugar together in a bowl.  Add the melted butter, stir together until combined. 

Pour into a tart shell and press carefully into the corners.

Put into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.  If you're in a rush (as I always am) pop it into the fridge to hurry it along.

Meanwhile make the filling by whisking together the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, confectioner's sugar, lemon zest and juice. 

When whisked, taste it, if you feel you need it a tad sweeter, then add a further 1/4 cup of confectioner's sugar.

Spread the filling into the thoroughly cooled tart shell.  Scatter the berries on top.  Add a couple of mint leaves if you like. 

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