contributed by anne f (foxwold@ix.netcom.com)
The crumbly cornmeal crust used in this recipe is a little harder to roll out than regular dough, so chill it first, which will make it easier to work with. Martha likes to grate the chilled dough with a box grater, pressing the grated bits into a tart tin in order to give it a rustic texture. Martha, of course, is a purist.
1. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar in bowl of an electric mixer, about 2 minutes. Add yolks, and mix just to combine. Whisk together the dry ingredients, and add to the yolk mixture; mix just until it comes together loosely. Transfer the dough to plastic wrap, press together, and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm.
2. Prepare a 4 1/2-by-14-inch rectangular fluted tart tin with cooking spray or butter. Roll out the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Discard the top plastic wrap, and gently invert dough over the prepared tart tin. Discard the remaining piece of plastic wrap. Press the dough into tin, and trim so the dough is flush to edges. Repair tears or cracks by pressing dough together with your fingers. Place in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
3. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prick the crust several times with a fork, and bake on the middle rack of oven until the crust begins to color, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, remove from the pan. Place on a serving platter or board.
4. Place the cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer, and beat until smooth. Add the crème fraîche and confectioners' sugar, and beat until mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Spread the filling into the cooled crust, and arrange the figs on top, pressing them in slightly.
5. To make the glaze, combine the jam and wine in a small saucepan. Set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat, and simmer until mixture is thick and syrupy,about 2 minutes. Cool slightly, and brush warm glaze over figs with a pastry brush. Chill the tart in the refrigerator if not serving right away. Serve within several hours.
This page last updated 8/28/2000