Free Form Berry Tart

An alternative to a traditional formed (using a tart pan) tart this version uses a store bought Pillsbury crust and a simple round pan. Easy and especially quick to make, this tart is a perfect "pressed for time" version. Rustic and "home made", it can be put together in a matter of minutes.

Seasonal fresh blueberries and strawberries are used here, but it can also be made using a variety of fruit options including: raspberries, peaches, apples or plums. A bit of flour is tossed in to help thicken the juices a bit. Lightly seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and sweetened with confectioner's sugar, this tart is a perfect ending for a week night meal.

Berry Free Form Tart

• 2 cups Blueberries, rinsed
• 2 cups Strawberries, rinsed and cut
• 1 store bought pie crust (such as Pillsbury)
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
• pinch of ginger
• 2 1/2 tbsp. Confectioner's sugar, (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp. Flour

Once the berries are rinsed and cut, place into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients (except pie crust), toss gently to mix (don't want to smash the berries). Unwrap the pie pastry and place onto sheet pan. Gently place the berries onto the middle of the pie crust. Arrange berries until there is an edge of about 2 inches of pastry showing. Moisten with a bit of water, and fold the pie crust onto the berries. Careful as to not puncture it. Place into a preheated 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until the pastry is set. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue to bake until the pastry browns and the fruit juices begin to bubble, about another 20-25 minutes. Yields: 1 tart, about 6 servings.

Blueberries are low in fat, high in vitamin C, B-complex, E and A. They are considered the fruit highest in antioxidants, as well as aiding in promoting a healthy immune and urinary tract system. Relatively low in calories, 80-100 calories per cup, blueberries are part of the heath family, which also includes: cranberry, azalea, rhododendron and mountain laurel. To find out more, check out these sites for this and more information: blueberrycouncil.org, womenfitness.net and webmd.com.