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Thursday, December 2, 2010

***Daring Bakers Challenge : CROSTATA****

This is my first Daring Bakers Challenge. For November, 2010 the challenge was hosted by Simona from briciole. The challenge was to make Crostata.

Crostata is an Italian baked dessert tart or form of a pie. It is traditionally prepared by folding the edges of the dough over the top of the filling. Crostata doesn't have a regular circular shape, it has more of a rough looked edges. The filling is usually jam or marmalade.Crostata is also made using fresh cut fruits or cream as filling.

Not only was this my first Daring Bakers challenge, it was also my first time baking Crostata or a pie. I was all excited to see the end result.



The filling I used for the Crostata was fruits which included fresh apples and pears. You will need the following ingredients:

- 13/4 cup of all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar (used powdered sugar)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons) - room temperature
- pinch of salt
- 1 large egg and 1 large egg york
- grated zest of half lemon
- Thinly sliced fresh fruits

To make the Crostata we need to start with the pasta frolla. Making the frolla:
1. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces and add into the mixture. Mix well until its well blended.
3. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour the beaten eggs. Also add the lemon zest to your    mixture.
4. Use a fork to incorporate the liquid and then use your hand to knead the dough.Knead it until the dough can be made into a ball.
5.Cover the dough in a plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 2 hours.

Assembling the Crostata:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Butter a flat bottom pan which is about 12 inch.
3. Roll out the dough to somewhere between a quarter and a half thick. It should be rolled out enough so that it covers the whole pan. Cut out the remaining dough for cutting decorate strips for the end.
4. Transfer the rolled out dough into the prepared pan. Prick holes with a fork on the dough.
5. Now layer the fruits in circular manner or anyway you would like it to look.
6. Reroll the extra dough which was set aside. Cut out thin strips and layer them on top of the fruits. Its like covering the pie. You can make the net impression. After layering, create a small ring around the rim of the Crostata. It gives a finished look.
7. Now brush some egg wash on the top of the pie. I also added some peanuts on top.
8. Bake the Crostata for about 30 mins or until it turns golden brown.


You have the Crostata ready. I was not really found of pies but really liked this one. Try out this and post your comments on how it turned out.

Thank you to Daring Bakers Challenge for this one. Looking forward for more challenges.


ENJOY!!!!!