Continuing with my antics of baking along with the Great British Bake Off, this week we were inspired by the Technical Bake of Rum Nicky, one of the three forgotten bakes that were featured. But not being a fan of rum, and knowing that orange complements the other principal ingredients of date, apricot and ginger really well our Rum Nicky became a 'No-Rum Nicky'!
Of course, being alcohol free, this date tart becomes a delicious after dinner treat that the whole family can enjoy. In fact it reminds me in many ways of a simple date slice my Mum used to make for us when we were young. It was simply scrummy, but the Date Tart recipe that I'm sharing with you today is certainly a little more elegant with its lattice crust and the addition of a few dried apricots and a sprinkling of chopped ginger.
Just imagine cutting a slice of this wonderful Date Tart, decorated with its lattice crust, and serving it slightly warm with a pouring cream! Yum!
How to build a lattice crust.
Regulars to Only Crumbs Remain may recall that it's not that long since I shared another pie recipe finished with a lattice crust, our Spiced Blackberry & Pear Lattice Crust Pie. Several of the comments I received suggested that it's a technique some people shy away from. Trust me when I say that a lattice crust really isn't difficult and is certainly worth that little bit of effort.
My tips when preparing to make a lattice crust pie.
- Start by keeping it simple especially if you've never made a lattice crust before, just like the one I made here.
- As your confidence grows, why not try a design which is more intricate. Search Intagram and Pinterest for design inspiration, and before starting have the design clear in your mind.
- Ensure each individual strip of pastry is cut to the same width all the way down. A strip of pastry which is narrower at one end that the other will detract the eye when it's not a deliberate part of the design.
- Likewise, ensure the strips of pastry are laid parallel to its neighbour unless you're aiming for a star burst effect - in which case exaggerate the angle of the star burst.
- Consider building the lattice crust design on a sheet of greaseproof paper and then slide it onto the pie once complete (though I must admit that I prefer to build it directly on the pie!).
- Why not add a few pastry cut outs, such as flowers and hearts. It's a great way of using pastry off cuts as well as making your pie or tart even more pretty.
As already mentioned, there are many lattice crust effects which can be achieved each producing a fantastic impact. Here's a short video showing how to easily build a basic lattice crust.
So, here's how to make a Date Tart with a Lattice Crust.
print recipe
by apricots, orange and ginger! Not only is it incredibly delicious,
it's also easy to make, and once you've watched our quick video you'll
be building your lattice crust with confidence!
Hand on time: 25 - 30 mins Bake time: 35 mins Yield: 1 x 18cm Tart, serves 4 - 6 people
Specific Equipment
1 x 18cm Loose Bottomed Tart Case (see note a below)
For the Filling
- 250g Mejooled Dates
- 100g Dried Apricots
- 50g Glace Ginger, chopped
- 1 Orange, zest of
- 50g Soft Dark Brown Sugar
- 50ml Orange Juice
For the Pastry
- 200g Plain Flour
- 30g Icing Sugar
- 100g Butter, unsalted & chilled
- 1 Egg, medium, lightly beaten
- 1 - 2 tablespoon Milk, chilled
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten, to glaze
- Sugar, to sprinkle
To Serve (optional)
- Pouring cream or ice cream
Notes: a) Use a smaller or larger pie case using what you have available, though of course the measurements of fruit may need adjusting as appropriate. b) The pastry can be kept wrapped and chilled for a day or two before use. c) If you prefer, the lattice weave can be build on a piece of greaseproof paper and then transferred to the tart case. d) If you're short of time don't bother 'weaving' the pastry. Simply lay the a few strips of pastry horizontally and some more vertically. e) Any pastry off-cuts could be used to add a little further decoration to your date tart, such as flowers. Or why not make a few jam tarts.
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Eb Gargano
Beautiful! I love your video showing how easy peasy it is to create a lattice crust...I did spend a lot of time watching Bake Off last week wondering why on earth they were trying to build the lattice off the pie and then flipping it onto the pie - looked like a total recipe for disaster (and was for some people) Your way looks much more sensible! And great idea to make a rum-less nicky for those who prefer not to cook with rum 😀 Eb x
Recipes Made Easy
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REBECCA SMITH - Glutarama
Hecky thump that looks good, I bet that tastes sooo rich....I love dates and I'm finally getting my head around pastry (GF) so this is going on the to-do-list xx
Rheagan
I'm not sure I'm ready to take on a lattice crust, but the filling sounds fantastic!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes
The pie filling sounds divine!! Orange, ginger,dates and apricots..Everything about this filling is lovely! Thanks for the simple tips on the pie lattice..I haven't tried making one before..and the tips and video are really helpful 🙂
Corina Blum
Your lattice work is beautiful and it's a great video too! I think it would be lovely like this or with rum too. I rarely have anything with rum in except at Christmas but I do like the flavour. x
Cat Sherrin
Your pastry looks perfect and I really love the video x
Monika Dabrowski
This pie is full of wonderful flavours, and the lattice crust looks so pretty! Loved the video too:)
Recipes Made Easy
Get you, with your flashy video! Seriously its great. I wish I had the time and energy to start making videos. In dishes like this they are really useful. I liked the addition of rum in the tart but I must admit know Ive seen your pics I wish I'd served mine with cream rather than rum butter. and the orange in the tart would work well if you were not the kind of cook like me who (although I seldom drink spirits )will put a slug of booze in anything
helen
wow! another amazing looking lattice tart Angela. I am so impressed at how neat you are. I definitely need to get some practice in & make one for Christmas.
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain
Thankyou Helen 😀 ... though you really ought to see my work bench when I've finished 'creating' - 'neat' wouldn't be the word you'd use ;-D
Angela x