Indulge in a slice of paradise with our Caribbean Netherlands Coconut Tart recipe. Bursting with the flavors of the sun-drenched islands, this delectable dessert is a celebration of tropical goodness. With a buttery crust and a luscious coconut filling, each bite transports you to the sandy beaches and azure waters of the Caribbean. Whether you're hosting a summer soirée or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this Coconut Tart is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you longing for more. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to the Caribbean Netherlands!

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the coconut custard filling:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, according to preference)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and set aside.

2- In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3- Add the egg yolk and ice water to the mixture and pulse until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than your tart pan.

5- Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.

6- Place the tart pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

7- In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is just about to simmer, stirring occasionally.

8- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.

9- Gradually pour the hot coconut milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

10- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

11- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut.

12- Pour the coconut custard filling into the prepared tart crust, spreading it out evenly.

13- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

14- Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing and serving. Optionally, garnish with additional shredded coconut or whipped cream.

15- Serve and enjoy your Caribbean Netherlands Coconut Tart!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 110 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein for muscle repair and growth.

1/4 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits: Offers a quick source of energy, though it's high in calories and lacks other nutrients.

1/2 cup unsalted butter:

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Fat: 92 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g

benefits: Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, essential for various bodily functions, as well as providing energy.

1 egg yolk:

• Calories: 55 kcal
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Protein: 2.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g

benefits: Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and minerals like iron and zinc, supporting overall health and cell function.

2 tablespoons ice water: (negligible calories and nutrients)

benefits: Provides hydration to the body, essential for various physiological functions.

1 cup coconut milk:

• Calories: 552 kcal
• Fat: 57 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Protein: 5 g

benefits: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support weight loss, as well as providing electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.

1 cup heavy cream:

• Calories: 820 kcal
• Fat: 88 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Protein: 5 g

benefits: Offers energy-dense calories, along with fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A, essential for vision and skin health.

3/4 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

1/4 cup cornstarch:

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits: Acts as a thickening agent in recipes, providing texture and consistency without adding significant calories or nutrients.

4 large egg yolks:

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 18 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g

1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened):

• Calories: 466 kcal
• Fat: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fiber: 10 g

benefits: Rich in fiber for digestive health, medium-chain triglycerides for energy, and antioxidants for combating oxidative stress.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits: Adds flavor without significant calories or nutrients, though some studies suggest it may have mild antioxidant properties.

Pinch of salt: (negligible calories and nutrients)

benefits: Enhances flavor, regulates fluid balance, and supports nerve and muscle function through its sodium content.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and serving sizes.