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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Ultimate Fresh Fruit Tart—Happy 4th of July


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I’d made this The Ultimate Fresh Fruit Tart and have taken these pictures a while ago.  Somehow, I didn’t have a chance to share it on my blog yet.  To celebrate the 4th of July, I think we can all use a little pie/tart recipe as beautiful as this one, right?  This fresh fruit tart was an attempt to recreate my favorite fruit tart that I used to purchase from a Japanese bakery.  The ones from the bakery was a 4-inch tart. But for celebration, I think a full 9-inch tart is more beautiful though.  Somehow, the bakery changed their recipe and I didn’t like their new tarts anymore.  So, this fresh fruit tart is how I remembered what the tart used to be like from the bakery. 

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What is unique about this tart is that it has a crunchy and flaky butter cookie crust.  Hm….yummy right?  I can’t resist a tart that has a butter cookie crust, can you?  On top of the crust, it’s a thin layer of chocolate.  So, think about chocolate cookies now.  Topping the chocolate layer is another layer of pastry cream, and a thin layer of freshly whipped cream.  Sounds decadent?  You bet it is.  Then, I top the whole tart with different fresh fruit.  I used Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, mandarin oranges, and kiwi.  The berries are in season and it’s the best time and best way to celebrate them with this Ultimate Fresh Fruit Tart.  I brushed the fruit with a thin layer of glaze made with my homemade orange marmalade that was thinned out with a dash of lemon juice.  Each layer tasted wonderful on it’s own and really compliment each other all together.  This is really closed to the fruit tart that I love from the Japanese bakery, if not better.  

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Due to the different layers involved in preparing this tart, there are quite a few steps in the recipe.  However, each step is quite simple to prepare.  I hope you will all enjoy today’s recipe and give it a try.  I wish you all a safe and wonderful 4th of July celebration.   

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Note: I got this Pie plate a long time ago.  You can find a similar one here.



The Ultimate Fresh Fruit Tart: (Printable Recipe)

For the pie crust:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of kosher salt

For the pie fillings:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
5 extra-large egg yolks, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons powdered sugar

For the fruit top:
8 strawberries, cut in halves
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup Mandarin orange slices (from can), drained
1 Kiwi, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup blackberries

For the glaze:
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
2 teaspoons lemon juice

To make the pie crust:
Mix the butter and sugar together in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Press the dough into a 9-inch-round pie dish. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place a piece of parchment paper on pie crust. Top parchment with beans/pie weight. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment and beans, prick the pie crust all over with the tines of a fork and bake again for 20 to 22 minutes more, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool to room temperature.

To make the pie fillings:
In a small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate on high heat. Stop and stir in 30 second intervals until chocolate are melted. Let it cool slightly and pour on cooled pie crust. Spread melted chocolate on the bottom and sides of the pie crust with the back of a spoon, leaving a 1-inch border. Keep in refrigerator to chill while preparing the rest of the pie filling.

In a small pot, bring evaporated milk to a simmer on medium heat. Do not boil. Remove from heat once you see bubbles on the edges.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks and sugar on medium-high speed for 4 minutes, or until very thick. Reduce to low speed, and add the cornstarch.
With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture. Then, pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens, 5 to 7 minutes. Then, switch to a whisk and beat vigorously. Cook, whisking constantly, for another 2 minutes until the custard thickened, like pudding. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla and butter. Pour the custard through a sieve into a bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until cold, about 1 to 2 hours.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a hand held electric mixer until stiff peak form.

To make the glaze:
In a small bowl, mix orange marmalade and lemon juice together until well combined.

To assemble:
Fill pie crust with custard mixture. Spread whipped cream evenly over custard mixture with a rubber spatula. Arrange fresh fruit on top. Brush, glaze over fruit with a pastry brush. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.













113 comments:

  1. wow awesome and very creative and inviting...luv the clicks...beautiful sweet treat....
    Anu's Healthy Kitchen - Broken Wheat, Oats, Almonds and Coconut Ladoo

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    1. Thank you so much, Anu. I'm happy you love this tart and pictures.

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  2. We love fruit tarts, and this one is very nice. We like it a lot.
    Happy 4th of July celebration.

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    1. Thank you, Laurel. I'm crazy about fruit tart and I can't wait to make another one. :)

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  3. Happy Independence Day, Amy!

    Butter cookie crust? Wow, I love it!

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    1. Thank you Chef. Yes, the crust is amazing! :) I can eat that alone with the melted chocolate on top!

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  4. That looks almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST! I think I'd admire it for a good long while, then I would just have to attack it with my fork. ;)

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    1. Almost is the right word! :) This tart tastes even better than its look. I can't wait to make another one especially with all the gorgeous berries in season.

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  5. perfect colour tart for the day...happy 4th july to you

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    1. Thank you, Divya! Hope you had a wonderful celebration too.

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  6. Replies
    1. Thank you so much! :)Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

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  7. Gosh, this is gorgeous! And great for celebrating the 4th! Wonderful pictures, terrific recipe. Extremely good stuff - thanks so much.

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  8. Oh,what a beautiful fruit tart! Simple love the butter cookies crust and fruits topping :) Happy Independent day!

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    1. Thank you, Esther. Yes, the crust itself is amazing. :) I can eat the crust with the melted chocolate alone! hahaha...

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  9. Hi Amy,
    What a lovely and yummy fruit tart!!
    I love butter cookie crust too.
    Happy 4th July to you :D
    mui

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    1. Thank you, Mui Mui. :) Yeah, the crust is wonderful and I can eat that alone with the melted chocolate on top and call it a happy day.

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  10. That looks absolutely amazing! Well done.

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  11. Looks beautiful, Amy...and love the chocolate layer. : )

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    1. Thank you, Monica. Yes, that chocolate layer really makes it special.

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  12. Estupenda tarta se ve muy exquisita y colorida me encanta...Feliz Independencia,saludos y abrazos.

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    1. Muchas gracias. Nos lo pasamos muy bien la semana pasada celebrando. Les deseo un buen viernes y fin de semana.

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  13. That is so incredibly beautiful!!! I cannot even begin to describe it. You can most definitely sell these to compensate for the loss of our favourite tart at the bakery. I'd buy some. Also, love that pretty tart pan. I think I'm going to hunt one down.

    ~Jayne

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. I agree, I would buy this tart from a bakery too. :P Especially when I'm too lazy to make one. Hope you'll find the pie dish. I posted a similar one at the end of the post if you can't find the exact one.

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  14. What a beauty! I could go for a slice or two with some coffee. :) Delicious Amy! Have a great 4th!

    Anne ~ Uni Homemaker

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    1. Thank you, Anne. Yes, it was a wonderful for afternoon tea. :)

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  15. What a gorgeous tart! It is almost as pretty as a centerpeice for your table. It is done with such precision that I agree that this is even better than the Japanese tarts in the bakeries. Happy 4th to you.

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    1. Thank you, BAM. Yes, glad I don't have to "miss" the fruit tart from the bakery because I can make my own. :)

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  16. Amy, this fruit tart look so colourful and pretty! I love to try the butter cookie crust. Sounds so delicious!
    Happy Independent day!

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    1. Thank you, Ann. Oh yeah, I adore that cookies crust. I can probably eat the crust alone with the melted chocolate. :)

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  17. That is one beautiful tart! You did a great job :)

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  18. Oh my goodness, this tart looks absolutely incredible! Love all the fresh fruit, you did an amazing job Amy, it looks and sounds perfect! Hope you have a great 4th of July :)

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    1. Thank you, Kelly. I had a wonderful 4th of July celebration. Hope yours was great too. Really happy to hear that you like this fruit tart. It was so wonderful and I can't wait to make it again.

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  19. Replies
    1. Thank you, Angie. :) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  20. Oh goodness - that belongs in some fancy patisserie!! Almost too pretty to eat (but I'd eat it).

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    1. Thanks, Belinda. Yes, "almost" is the right word. :) I can probably eat this everyday if I let myself do so.

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  21. Wow this is CRAZY gorgeous!! Definitely perfect for the 4th!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. Glad you like it. I say it tastes even better than the look. :) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  22. I love fresh fruit tart! Yours look really delicious, yum yum! Happy 4th of July to you!

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    1. Thank you, Mun. Glad you love fruit tart too. :)

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  23. OMG, that's the prettiest fruit tart I've ever seen! Especially love the plate that sits with it. Happy 4th of July to you too!

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    1. Thank you, Shirley. Glad you love my fruit tart. I got the plate a while ago. Don't see them selling it online anymore.

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  24. Hello (waving at you from North Florida)..I am your newest folower and I wanted to say hi and I like your site. This is a beautiful presentation of a fruit tart. Happy 4th!

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    1. Thank you, Tina. Glad you love the fruit tart and I'm really happy to follow you back. ;)

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  25. Amy, that just screams happy 4th! Looks luscious.

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    1. Thank you, Abbe. Wish you a wonderful weekend.

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  26. Amy, I don't think I have ever seen such a joyful dessert, bursting with colours and freshness. It is a real piece of art.

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    1. Thank you, Sissi. Glad you love my fruit tart. I say it tastes even better than its look! ;)

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  27. So beautiful, Amy! Perfect while all the fresh fruit is in its prime! And I love each layer :)

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    1. Thank you, Liz. So true! Gotta take advantage of all the fresh fruits in the summer.

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  28. Gorgeous! Wish it were sitting on my table right now. :-) Thanks for stopping in.

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like this tart. Have a great weekend.

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  29. Wow, that looks so beautiful, it's almost hard to believe that it's real! I love how artfully you arranged the berries on top- The pie pan you chose is so perfect for accommodating the strawberries, too.

    Hope you're having a Happy 4th of July!

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    1. Thank you. Hope your 4th was just as wonderful. I agree, the fruit on top were all amazing. :) Wish you a beautiful weekend.

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  30. Replies
    1. Thank you, Shanthi. Glad you like this fruit tart.

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  31. Such a lovely tart, colourful and yummy

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    1. Thank you, Amrita. It tasted even better than the look! :)

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  32. Hi Amy, your fruit tart look so lovely and colourful. Too beautiful to be eaten. The filling look absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. hehe...nothing is TOO pretty to eat in my house. We might admire it for a few seconds and then it'll be all gone! hahaha....hope you're enjoying your weekend so far.

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  33. Such beautiful looking tart. I am sure it tastes great too. Very tempting indeed!

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    1. Thank you so much. In deed, the fruit tart tasted even better than its look. I can't wait to make another one too.

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  34. This is definitely the most beautiful and summery fruit tart ever. So perfect for 4th!!

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    1. Thank you, Kiran. It was so good I can't wait to make another one.

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  35. Replies
    1. Thank you, Gloria. Glad you like this fruit tart.

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  36. What a beautiful use of that pie dish. I've been eyeing it for a long time but haven't forked over the dough yet. It's a gorgeous tart.

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    1. Thank you, Maureen. Yeah,I love this pie dish and it's wonderful with many different recipes, both savory and sweet. Glad you like this fruit tart.

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  37. I do not have enough adjectives to rave about this beautiful dish.

    WOW!!!! x

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like this fruit tart too. :) Hope you're enjoying your weekend so far.

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  38. What a beautiful fruit tart! I love all the layers!

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    1. Thank you, Ruby. Glad you love the different layers. :)

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  39. Its a stunner and I just can't take my eyes of the beautiful visuals. Making the pie crust is like a big mission for me and am thinking of using the readymade crust or pastry. Also, the fruits esp the berries are pretty expensive over here and considering our local fruits, maybe pineapples.

    Your latest follower and appreciate if you can do the same. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you so much. Oh...the crust actually is quite simple to prepare. This one is a cookie crust so it's very different from prepared pie-crust. Too bad the fruits are expensive at your place. But using local fruit is a great idea. :)

      Thank you so much for following. Of course I'm happy to follow back!

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  40. Amy this is a work of art! I want to reach through the screen and get a piece. You continue to stun me with even more beauty and delisciousness! You inspire me.

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    1. Thank you so much, Suzanne. I wish I can pass you the whole tart through the screen so you can share with your family. It tastes even better than the look. Hope you'll try the recipe. :)

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  41. This is the most beautiful fruit tart I've ever seen!!

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    1. Thank you, Ashley. Glad you like my fruit tart. :)

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  42. It's so disappointing when a bakery stops making something the way we like it. But so gratifying when we figure the recipe, and then we can have it whenever we want!

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    1. I agree with you...I didn't like bakery shops change their recipes around. I'm just glad that I can make my own favorite fruit tart any time I want now. :)

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  43. looks so wonderful and cute..lovely presentation

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    1. Thank you, Gayathri. Glad you like my presentation.

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  44. Your fruit tart looks awesome Amy, I love the idea of a thin layer of chocolate before adding the cream...
    Have a wonderful week ahead :D

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    1. Thank you, Juliana. Oh yeah, that thin layer adds lots of flavor as well as keeping the cookie crust crunchy too. :)

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  45. I love this recipe. I made a pie similar with the chocolate covering the layer of crust but then with lemon curd over that. This is just so beautiful. I will definitely be making this. Maybe while I'm vacationing right now. It's so pretty. Thanks for sharing this. I'm saving the recipe.

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    1. Thank you so much, Vicki. I know, adding a thin layer of chocolate on the crust is just wonderful. Hm..your version with lemon curd sounds amazing too. :) Wish you a safe and fun vacation. Enjoy!

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  46. Perfectly made tart! Chocolate is the best part!

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    1. Thank you, Katerina. Oh yeah...I love that chocolate layer with the crust too. :)

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  47. omyyy...this tart is super awesome Amy! Makes my mouth water!

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    1. Thank you, Danny. Glad you like this fruit tart. :) Wish you a wonderful Sunday!

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  48. Whoa! SUPER beautiful!!! Fruits are so expensive here in Japan and this fruit tart is like my dream right now. I can't wait to buy a cart full of fruits when I go back to the States. :D

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    1. Oh...I know. As much as I miss the food in Japan, not so much the price tags! Hope you'll give this a try when you come back to the States. :) Meanwhile, have a lovely vacation and enjoy your trip.

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  49. Amy, what an absolutely stunning fresh fruit tart - I love everything about this, the colorful fruit, the creamy filling and the very pretty presentation - picture perfect for sure!
    Have a lovely Tuesday, Amy!

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  50. Fabulous Fruit pie indeed! Your photos are also fantastic! I love to make it for sure...wait...I don't have the style of pie pan. I have to go to Williams-Sonoma first!

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  51. Oh this tart has summer written all over it! I'd love a slice with the cup of coffee I just made :) Beautiful Amy!

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  52. Hi Amy, thanks so much for dropping by my blog. I'm so glad to return the favor. You are such an artist and this tart is a work of art. I look forward to following your blog. Thanks again!

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  53. Amy, This tart is a work of art and it sounds delicious. It's going on my "to bake" list!

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  54. Summer berries are delicious and in this pie it is divine. Thanks for sharing.

    Velva

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  55. Hi Amy , love all fruit tarts and this is a must make ... thanks for your nice comment on my blog ... I will be keeping an eye on all the yummy goodies ...

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  56. What a work of art - so beautiful and delicious looking!

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  57. How did I miss this work of perfection. IT looks so festive and absolutely delicious..

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  58. what a fancy fruit tart with a fine fruit topping!
    i think i can eat the whole of it....hehehe

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  59. Your fruit tart looks amazing. Love the colour so much!
    Kristy

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  60. What a beautiful tart! Hope youre July 4th was lovely.

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  61. Happy belated 4th! This tart looks and sounds amazing! Such a good way to show off perfect summer fruit :)

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  62. Your fruit decoration is superb. I believe this tart is very tempting...how I wish I could be your neighbour!

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