The idealPandemic Thanksgivingdessert is fancy enough to feel special while remaining as low-effortand deliciousas humanly possible.
This year, more than ever, you deserve freedom from complicated recipes that yield underwhelming results.
You deserve a cranberry tarte tatin.
If that combination sounds wacky, trust me: Itworks.
The ultra-tart cranberry juices offset the sugary caramel to the point that the first bite barely registers as sweet.
Describing desserts as grown-up always strikes me as snobby and uninformative, but this is a rare exception.
Its also unbelievably simple.
Once youve nailed a simple caramelwhich I promise you willthe rest of the recipe is pure assembly.
Before you run away screaming, lets talk about that caramel.
If your prior efforts have all ended in crusty, crystallized disaster, its not youits the water.
Dry caramel is almost impossible to mess up.
You dump sugar into a dry pan and cook it over moderate heat until it liquefies and caramelizes.
(Dont be a ding-dong.)
Its the only way I make caramel now.
Give it a shot, and youll be converted, too.
If your skillet is in the 10-12 inch range, double everything except the puff pastry.
This should take about five minutes, but the exact timing will depend on your stove and skillet.
Immediately stir in the cold butter.
It will bubble dramatically, so watch your fingers.
When the butter is fully incorporated, carefully stir in the water, again minding the splatter.
Finally, stir in the salt.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar over the top.
Unfold the puff pastry and lay it over the berries.
Carefully tuck the corners and any overhanging edges into the skillet, which will still be quite hot.
Place the skillet on a sheet pan, transfer to the oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The pastry should be dramatically puffed and golden brown, and the fruit should be bubbling away beneath.
Cool in the skillet for at least 15 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
Scrape any caramel left in the skillet over the top.
Serve immediately with plenty of ice cream or whipped creamor a little of both.
