Summer is still upon us, in the practical sense, so I though this no-bake Lemon Curd Tart was a fabulous way to eke out a bit more sunshine before we all head off leaf peepin’ here in a couple weeks. This is a staple I pick up multiple times on trips to France, and it’s the gold standard by which I judge all bakeries.

Ingredients:

For the crust (you can upgrade this recipe with a proper flaky pastry crust, but this no-bake option

For the crust: (NB: no shame in a pre-made pie shell if you’re tired, We’ve all been there)

• 1.5 cups of graham cracker crumbs (12-15 crackers, depending on the brand. For gluten free, I suggest Mi-Del. Feel free to experiment with shortbread and gingersnaps!)
• 6 Tablespoons of melted butter

For the lemon curd:

• 5 lemons
• 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• generous pinch teaspoon salt
• berries for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Blend the graham crackers in a food processor until they’re the consistency of sand. Mix with melted butter and press it into a pie plate or tart pan with fingers, then firmly with the back of a teaspoon. Set aside. And probably rinse the food processor, you’re going to need it again in the next step. (Sorry.)

• Zest and juice the lemons. Put the lemon zest in the food processor and blend until fine. Add in the sugar and combine well. In a stand mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add in the zest and sugar. When well blended, add in the eggs one at a time, then the salt. Blend well. Batter may be lumpy, but it will come together over heat.

• Transfer the batter to a 2-quart saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick and temperature reaches 175 degrees.

• Pour curd into the prepared pie crust. Let set at room temperature. Once firm, you can transfer to the fridge if you want to serve it chilled, which I recommend.
• Garnish with berries if desired. I like a trio of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries artfully arranged on top. Delightful on a warn day with Perrier.