Rustic Pear Tart with Riesling & Berries

Husband and I recently joined some German friends for a night featuring the food of their roots- schnitzle (delicate fried pork), spaetzle (a rich, handmade, buttery pasta like dish), and rotkohl (a clove spiced red cabbage).

German cuisine in the hands of a native and his American wife, who now cooks like one! Everything was delicious.

We contributed beaucoup wine....and this lovely, terribly easy, dessert- a rustic pear tart, featuring a sweet Riesling glaze.

Time has not been on my side with the renovation, so I further simplified the recipe by substituting a store bought puff pastry for the dough. I added some nutmeg to the pears before baking and threw in some dried berries to the Riesling glaze (made with Dr. Loosen Riesling) while it reduced on the stove top. (Full recipe here). You could honestly cut some of the sugar as well, as the Riesling naturally sweetens the sauce and tart beautifully.

I made it a few hours in advance, heated after our epic dinner, and served with some vanilla gelato.

Stay tuned for part two of the supper club, where husband and I host a Greek themed night!