During an interview with Today, the renowned culinary expert Ina Garten revealed her all-time favorite recipe: a classic French Apple Tart. As we all know, Ina Garten has a remarkable reputation for creating mouth - watering dishes, and this tart is no exception. We decided to put this recipe to the test in the Better Homes & Garden's Test Kitchen, and the results were truly outstanding.

Let's start by delving into the ingredients required for this delectable French Apple Tart. For the crust, you'll need all - purpose flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, and ice water. The combination of these simple yet essential ingredients forms the perfect base for the tart. The flour provides structure, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the butter gives it that rich, buttery flavor that we all love. The ice water is crucial as it helps to bind the dough together without making it too sticky.

To make the crust, first, you'll want to combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important as it ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which will result in a flaky crust. Then, gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the crust tough.

Once the dough is formed, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This chilling process allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out. When you're ready to roll out the dough, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and place the chilled dough on it. Roll the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Now, let's move on to the apple filling. You'll need tart apples such as Granny Smith, which hold their shape well during baking and have a nice tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tart. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a small saucepan, melt some butter and add sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly. Add the sliced apples to the saucepan and cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften but are still slightly firm.

Arrange the cooked apples in the prepared tart crust in a decorative pattern. You can fan them out or create a concentric circle. Pour any remaining apple sauce from the saucepan over the apples in the tart. This will add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the tart.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tart for about 40 - 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the doneness of the apples by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of an apple slice. If the toothpick goes in easily, the apples are done.

Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the tart to set slightly before serving. You can serve the tart warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the flaky crust, tender apples, and warm cinnamon - sugar sauce is simply irresistible.

After testing Ina Garten's classic French Apple Tart in the Better Homes & Garden's Test Kitchen, we can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation. It's a recipe that is both elegant and delicious, perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat. The balance of flavors between the tart apples, sweet crust, and warm cinnamon - sugar sauce is truly remarkable. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

In conclusion, Ina Garten's classic French Apple Tart is a timeless recipe that has stood the test of time. It showcases her culinary expertise and attention to detail. We highly recommend giving this recipe a try in your own kitchen and experiencing the magic of this delicious tart for yourself. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get baking!