Last year I discovered a wonderful ‘tart’ recipe which is utterly delicious. I love its simple flavors and how easy it is to prepare. I was sold. There are several ways to modify this and each person I know that makes it does it a bit differently. My version contains three ingredients: almonds, agave syrup and berries. I chose to use the fresh strawberries I had just picked last week.
I’m intrigued with all genres of food. Living in a culinary community rich with health orientation AND foodie inclinations, there is something for everyone. The summer lends itself to lighter fare and last summer I was drawn to learn more about raw food. I do not mean just eating food without cooking it but rather the practice of ‘raw’ food. Raw foodism provides any prepared foods are done so at very low temperatures, usually using a dehydrator, to preserve all the naturally occurring nutrients and amino acids in food. It’s believed to be food in its best form.
I’ll come clean. I vacillated about touting the healthy aspects of this dessert early on for fear I’d lose you before you try it. Sometimes hearing something is healthy feels like an oxymoron to the concept of something being also fabulous. When I first heard of ‘raw’ food I naively imagined earthy tasting sprouted things that I’d have to choke down potentially with a beet-laden drink that is good for me. I was worried it would make me want to stop wearing mascara.
I was so wrong. My exploration of raw foods has lead me to dishes I’ve enjoyed and that would never be associated with a tie-dye patchouli-scented health store of the 1970’s; it’s real people food and it’s good (AND unless someone told you it fits in the raw food genre, you just would not know it).
This dessert does not taste ‘healthy’, honest. It tastes delicious. If you were to serve it, people will love it. No one will check to see if you are are still shaving your extremities and wearing proper foundation garments. The other cool thing about it is that it caters to most dining needs. It is vegan, raw, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, wheat-free. Essentially only those with nut allergies need to avoid it. And it’s just as good for breakfast as it is for dessert based on the ingredients.
THREE INGREDIENT NO COOK BERRY ‘TART’
My other friends who make versions of this add pulverized dates to the crust or soak the almonds first to really abide by the tenants of raw foodism.
Ingredients:
· 3 cups raw almonds (not roasted or flavored)
· 1/3 cup plus 1/6 cup agave syrup
· Berries (I used about 2-3 cups of fresh strawberries; it’s great with raspberries too)
1. In a food processor pulse almonds to a crumb size. Do not over pulse to create a flour. Once the almonds have a small, grainy texture, begin to drizzle agave into pulsing food processor. The almonds will begin to ball signaling the crust is ready.
2. Remove the almond crust and place it into a 10 inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press crust into the bottom and sides of the pan. When done place in the freezer while berries are being prepared (only needs to be there for a few minutes). The crust will be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Wash and hull strawberries. Place them on the crust hulled side down, beginning in the center, piecing them together to fill the tart. Because I picked my berries they are not perfectly uniform. I frankly like that. I don’t lead a perfectly ordered life and prefer a more rustic tart.
Voila! It’s done. When you wish to eat it, gently finesse the bottom of the tart pan up out of the side so you can cut it. Great with vanilla ice cream.
One of my favorite aspects of summer is berry picking. When moving to Colorado I searched high and low to find a ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berry farm. They are not common here sad to say however the farm I did find, Berry Patch Farms, makes up for the absence of options with quality of produce and experience.
Berry Patch Farms is a certified organic farm situated in Brighton Colorado, about a 45 minute drive from Boulder. The farm offers a mix of items you can pick ranging from berries to basil, flowers, and carrots as well as has a rustic barn store stocked with produce grown by the farm for purchase. The barn store has a large covered porch on one side lined with white rockers offering a place for shade and to watch the day pass. There are numerous picnic tables where visitors are welcome to enjoy lunch under enormous shade trees. There are also current and tidy bathrooms with sinks at the farm for the picking public.
The early strawberry season has just wound to a close but will return again in August. I scurried out to the farm last week to be sure to enjoy a harvest before all closed down in the fields for the moment. The farm arms you with as many berry containers as you like as well as cardboard flats to store the containers when full, all at no charge. You hop on a tractor-pulled open transport to the fields where the drivers will instruct on picking locations and instructions to pick correctly. Once finished you can wait for a transport back or walk to the barn store.
Things like basil, flowers and carrots (later pickling cucumbers I believe as well) are almost always available to pick (the farm will supply you with needed items and instruction to pick successfully). Upcoming are tart/pie cherries, black raspberries, red raspberries, golden raspberries and the second season of strawberries (check the farm produce calendar for time frames and what is available to pick or purchase already picked). There is picking well into the fall, weather permitting. If you check their website (click here) they update on availability daily and you can always call. You will not find nicer folk than Tim and Claudia (the farmers) and all the others who work there.
Berry Patch Farms: 13785 Potomac Street, Brighton CO 80601. 720.685.7137. Email: info@berrypatchfarms.com
Hours: June-September Tuesday- Saturday 8-6 (note: Tuesday from 8-10 is reserved for adult picking only). October: Tuesday-Saturday 10-4. November: Wednesday and Saturday 10-4.
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What a great recipe! I love that it is no bake and beautiful. I feel like it would be a great breakfast too! Maybe that is just the sweet tooth in me.
so pretty dallas
This is beautiful! I agree that the term “raw” scares a lot of people off, myself included. But like you, I've grown to realize that I've been missing out by avoiding raw treats. I'm trying harder to incorporate raw foods into my diet each week. This looks like a great way to be healthy and satisfy my sweet tooth.
I LOVE fresh strawberries and have a TON right now at home! This is the perfect dessert to make and it looks delicious!!
Love this crust! I can imagine all sorts of different things that you could do with it and I love love love how simple it is! Thanks for sharing
Love this simple tart! I also adore the Berry Patch Farms… Your strawberries look just perfect.
Gorgeous strawberries! I would never think to do no-bake anything before, but I am definitely sold on this.
Yum! and only 3 ingredients? That's crazy!
Wonderful recipe. I can't wait to try it! Thank you.
You had me sold at “no bake!” yay for not turning on ovens in the summer!
Isn't Berry Patch Farm a fabulous place? If I didn't work, I'd be out there a couple times per week. Next time you go, you should stop at LauerKrauts in Brighton or a KrautBurger. just sayin.
They were just featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives.
No bake is very intriguing in summer. I'll try try this definitely.
Love the simplicity. I really want to try that crust for multiple fruit pies, I bet it is wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
this would make a great after dinner treat, I love the simplicity of it only 3 ingredients. will be trying for sure:)
http://hugatreewithme2.blogspot.com
Lovely — and easy enough that even those of us who don't shine at baking could make it. Thank you.
I love the simplicity of this Toni…seems the perfect use for one of the gifts of summer; 'raw' strawberries.
I also love how you manage gluten free without preaching to us about lifestyle changes. That you offer great information and great recipes. Period.
This is a beautiful tart! I love that the flavor of every ingredient will absolutely shine through on it's own! I've used ground almonds to make a flour before and it's a wonderful flavor! Your pictures are beautiful, too! : )
I love how the differently sized strawberries create a more rustic tart and I've never eaten a 'raw' tart before and this sounds like a perfect time to try!
Such a simple, gorgeous pie! This really showcases the best of your luscious berries. Can't wait to see your flourless chocolate cake…I know you did David's recipe justice
looks great I am sure the key is fresh strawberries
Could this amazing fresh strawberry tart be more healthy, and utterly delicious with more ingredients?…I say, not!
Absolutely gorgeous, and you used my favorite organic agave syrup that I use, as well.
Beautiful photos, Toni:DDD
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Simple and delicious! Love how easy and healthy this is =)
Ah no-bake is so nice in the hot summer. this sounds absolutely delicious! And I love u-pick strawberries
Beautiful tart!!! The “no bake” part is very appealing especially in south Florida in the summertime! When your strawberries are freshly picked, why muck it up with other ingredients? Well done!
Beautiful! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!