What do you do when creativity stands you up? Sure you can give it the big finger, but being the giver and receiver on that one ain’t so great. So if you are anything like me you’ll probably log a few time killers by giving into a few distractions. Which of course leads to a few moments of mental bartering between shortcomings and half truths – an exhausting excerise of excuse making.
I know—weak.
This creative void being the current state as it is, I decided to go back to basics with this mixed berry tart. A simple but rich tasting tart with enough mixed berries to give a sweet and slighlty tart profile, while the crust lends a supporting structure of buttery flakiness and nutty flavoring by way of adding toasted homemade almond meal. Along with that is a sprinkling of cardamom in the crust for a little added dimension.
Now where were we with our random chat of creative deficits and rationalizing through siren calls of distraction? Oh—no where actually—see that’s my point. I don’t really have a good answer for coming out of this, and if some one does—please, let me know. For now it’s like anything else in life: practice and discipline. With that I’m working my through a creative funk the only way I know how: by keeping my hands busy. And while I almost didn’t post this mixed berry tart because it just seems short of creativity next to something like this or this, it’s a part of the routine.
Steady does it, right?

Mixed Berry Tart
Ingredients
- CRUST
- 1/3 cup (1 oz.) almonds, toasted and finely ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 cup plus 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), cold
- 1/4 cup cold water
- FILLING
- 6 oz. blueberries
- 6 oz. raspberries
- 6 oz. blackberries
- 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons coarse sugar
Instructions
PREPARATION
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
TO MAKE CRUST
- Place almonds on bake sheet. Transfer bake sheet to oven and toast almonds until golden brown and fragrant, about 7-9 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside to cool completely.
- Place cooled almonds salt, cardamom and 1/2 cup of flour in a food processor bowl and process until almonds are finely ground. Add in remaining all-purpose flour and cake flour and pulse to combine. Add in sugar and pulse combine. Add in butter and pulse to combine. While the machine is running, add cold water in a slow steady stream through the feed tube. The dough will pull away from the wall of the bowl and come together. If it doesn't, add in a teaspoon of water one at a time until it does.
- Turn dough out onto plastic wrap to wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at 2 hours before using.
TO MAKE FILLING
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.
ASSEMBLY
- Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Roll dough to an 1/8 inch thick. Place mixed berries in the center, making sure to leave a one inch edge of dough all the way around.
- Fold edge of dough towards the center. Brush top of crust with beaten egg and then sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Place tart in oven and bake 30-40 minutes or until edge of crust starts to turn a golden brown.
NOTES:
- To keep the butter as chilled as possible, I used frozen butter and grated it into the mixture.
- Feel free to play around the filling combination to suit your preference.
Looks beautiful and so tasty!
I know what you mean about those creative funk feelings… Sometimes for me they come up more when I’ve just got too much on my plate… work, blog, hubby, family, friends, house, laundry.. you know!
Glad to see you worked your way through this one because this gorgeous tart is the result. Hugs to you. 🙂
p.s. Love the look of your revamped site!
Beautiful tart! I am always in the mood for berries!
I’m always in the mood for a good berry tart. If ever there was a way to get through a funk, I would think this tart would be a delicious first step
It’s tough to keep coming up with new stuff and the basics are sometimes the best. This is not so basic though, love the cardamom touch!
If this is what happens when your creativity wanes, then I fully support more lapses. Beautiful, Naomi!
This just might be one of my favorite desserts, topped with whipped cream, of course. Your version is stunning in its simplicity. Bravo!
Oh I cannot WAIT until I can get me hands on some fresh berries! Just Lovely!
This tart looks awesome! What a treat!
This looks and sounds just loverly. Yummmm!
I have been missing all of the fresh berries these days! That tart looks amazing!
This looks absolutely amazing!
Gorgeous, Natalie! I’m so ready for spring and the abundance of berries that comes with it!
Sometimes back to basics is best! I can never say no to a berry tart!
I just want to shovel that in my mouth! And seriously gorgeous as always.
WOW – that is one gorgeous looking tart!!
this is seriously 1 HUUUUGE reason why i cannot wait til spring and summer get here. i want to get my hands on fresh fruit and produce!! what a stunning tart, Naomi!
I’m with Dara!! This is gorgeous and I fully support more creativity lapses 🙂
Berries thrill me every which way ~ Lovin’ the look of this tart!
Love this tart! Gorgeous photos and Gerry is right! Sometimes going back to the “basics” is best, however, your “basic” is just as gorgeous as your not as basic recipes. Amazing like always!
You in a creative funk? Never would have ever guessed that! But I do know how it feels sometimes to not really be feeling it. This tart is gorgeous, Naomi!
Creativity funk?! Wouldn’t have guessed it here, Naomi. Beautiful tart!! Can I get a sliver? 🙂
Beautiful tart. I’ve been there many times and what helps me the most is walking away. Doing something completely different for a day and then trying again.
Gorgeous tart, Naomi! Can’t wait for berries to be in full swing season! 🙂
This was a beautiful way to have a creative block!!! Gorgeous Tart, Naomi!!!
Let me start by saying this loud “BEAUTIFUL TART”
I know what you are saying but honestly Naomi, this tart completely differs your thoughts for now..LOL
But I totally agree sometime going back to basic is the best bet!
You know, I’ve been in a sort of slump lately and it’s always comforting to hear that you’re not alone. I actually think it’s a natural part of the creative process. That said, there’s absolutely nothing lacking about this lovely, simple tart. Wonderful recipe and post!
I can completely relate on the creative funk! It seems to go in waves. Sometimes simplicity is the best and this tart looks absolutely gorgeous.
Your tart looks gorgeous and I absolutely love the new look of your blog!
I’m glad you shared this tart and sometimes simple is best. I really believe that.
Just found your blog. Beautiful!
I’m happy you posted this! Creativity is nice but sometimes I just want something simple. And besides, it’s beautiful. 🙂