In Switzerland, this tart is called a wähe and comes in sweet and savory versions. Sweet versions are made with seasonal fruit and the savory version is more like a quiche. Both are popular as an easy light meal and are super easy to prepare together with a toddler.
Ingredients
- 1 shortcrust pastry
- 750 grams apples (about 4 medium)
- 3 tablespoons ground almonds
- 1 egg
- 50 millilitres milk
- 50 millilitres cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cinnamon to sprinkle on top
Preparation
- Measure out all of the ingredients into small dishes or jugs and set to the side.
- On a low workbench lay out a chopping board, toddler knife, and a bowl for the chopped apples.
Method
This is how I presented the activity to Henry when he was just over two years old.
- Preheat oven to 220 °C.
- Peel and cut the apples. I started by peeling an apple and cutting it into 2 centimeter slices for Henry to cut into smaller pieces. As he worked I peeled and chopped the rest of the apples topping up Henry’s pile as he ran out.
- Lay the pie crust in the pie dish. I do this part but eventually, Henry will do it himself.
- Use a fork to make holes in the pie crust. Henry loves this bit. It has never been a problem if he goes a bit overboard but if there are any big holes I just squish the pastry back together.
- Sprinkle the ground almonds on top of the pie crust. Also easy for Henry to do.
- Spread the chopped apples on top.
- Crack the egg into a jug and mix. Henry gives this a try but usually asks for help. I like to use a heavy jug because it is easier to keep stable while cracking and mixing the egg.
- Add the milk, cream, and sugar, and mix.
- Pour the custard mixture over the apples. I let Henry do this part but stay close by.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional). Henry usually puts it all in one spot and that works too.
- Bake on the lowest rack of the over for 30 minutes or until the egg mixture is set and the pastry and apples are golden.
Tips
- Traditionally the apples are cut in thin slices or grated but I find it easier for toddlers to cut them into chunks. This means there are a lot of gaps between the apples. The egg, cream, and milk mixture can be easily doubled to fill in the gaps if desired.