French apple tart (Tart aux Pommes)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Prepare the pastry and refrigerate it.

2. Step 2

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

3. Step 3

   Peel the apples, using a swivel-bladed paring knife. Using a regular paring knife, cut away and d iscard th e stems and center coresof the apples. Cut each apple into quarters.

4. Step 4

   Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, preferably a cold surface. Use a wooden rolling pin covered, preferably, with a pastry cloth. Use the pastry to line a 10-inch loose-bottom tart pan.

5. Step 5

   Cut the apple quarters into thin slices. Arrange the slices symmetrically in circles all around the inside of the pastry-lined tin and all around the center. Continue making circles in layers until all the slices are used.

6. Step 6

   Dot the apples all over with butter and sprinkle the sugar evenly over all.

7. Step 7

   Place the tart pan in the oven and bake 50 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Hold a small sieve over the tart and add the confectioners' sugar. Sprinkle it evenly over the tart. Serve hot or cold.