The Tatin tart, also known as Tarte Tatin, is a classic French dessert that originated in the late 19th century. The story behind its creation is quite interesting.
The Tatin tart is named after the Tatin sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline Tatin, who owned and ran the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, a small town in the Loir-et-Cher region of France. The hotel was known for its delicious cuisine, and Stéphanie was the main cook.
Legend has it that the Tatin tart was created accidentally. The story goes that one day, Stéphanie Tatin was preparing a traditional apple pie, but she accidentally overcooked the apples in sugar and butter. In an attempt to save the dessert, she placed a layer of pastry over the top and put it in the oven to finish cooking. After the tart was baked, she flipped it over to reveal caramelized apples on top of the crust. The tart was served to the hotel guests, who absolutely loved it, and thus the Tarte Tatin was born.
The classic Tarte Tatin consists of caramelized apples cooked in a skillet or ovenproof dish, topped with a layer of pastry. After baking, the tart is inverted so that the caramelized apples are on top. It is typically served warm and often accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Today, the Tarte Tatin is enjoyed worldwide and is considered a classic dessert. Variations of the tart can be made with different fruits such as pears or peaches, but the apple version remains the most popular and iconic.