Straight from the oven, juicy berries, and the sweet aroma of this Strawberry Mint Crostata, is enough to make you stop whatever you’re doing, and grab a fork.
For some people, it’s chocolate chip cookies, during the holiday season, it’s apple pie; but I have to say – whether topped with orange marmalade, peaches, blueberry, apple-cranberry, heirloom tomatoes, or pear, crostata is a definite A-lister in my rotation of baked treats all year round!
I had been racking my brain for what to share for Valentine’s Day, when a quick trip to the grocery came to my rescue. Is this true for you, too? Do the aisles and bins at your favorite store guide you toward delicious decisions?
This day’s temptation – strawberries. Although we’re not at peak season (in my state), they’re always available and especially tasty when roasted or cooked down to make a sauce. They’re like tomatoes that way – throw them in the oven and they hit the spot every time. Their flavor becomes intense, and when their juices release – game over.
So let’s make a crostata, shall we?
INGREDIENTS:
All-purpose flour
Salted butter
Ice cold water
Honey
Fresh strawberries
Fresh mint
Milk
Granulated sugar
I made a quick strawberry mint sauce that I spread in the center of the dough (before baking), this served as the base, then topped the sauce with halved berries, popped it in the oven for about 40 minutes, et voilà.
There is no mystery here. Strawberry Mint Crostata is the perfect color, sweet in flavor, and charming in presentation.
A splendid treat for those you love. <3
Buon Appetito!
MORE VALENTINE’S DAY FUN:
Chocolate Panna Cotta with Raspberry Compote
Roasted Strawberry & Chocolate Hazelnut Panini
RumChata French Toast with Warm Berry Compote
Strawberry Mint Crostata
Description
Straight from the oven, juicy berries and the sweet aroma of this Strawberry Mint Crostata is enough to make you stop whatever you’re doing, and grab a fork.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups salted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes, plus 2 more tbsp. for sauce
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. ice cold water
2 Tbsp. honey
1 lb. of fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced
4 heaping tsp. chopped fresh mint
1/2 lb. strawberries, rinsed and cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, place the flour, 3/4 cup cubed butter, and water.
Mix with your hands until everything is combined and the dough becomes one solid mass.
Turn the dough onto a well-floured board and form into a disk.
Wrap the disk with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 F.
In the meantime, prepare your strawberries.
In a large pan, over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp. butter, honey, and chopped mint.
Add 1 lb. sliced strawberries, and cook until heated through and caramel-y. The berries will break down into a thick sauce. Some of the berries will maintain their shape, we want this. Cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Remove dough from the refrigerator.
Place a piece of parchment on a baking sheet, then roll out the dough on the parchment to form a 12 inch circle.
Leaving about 1 1/2 inches around the perimeter, spread the strawberry mint mixture in the center of your dough. Top with remaining strawberries.
Gently fold the border up and around the berries, pleating to make a circle.
Brush milk around the edges of the dough and sprinkle the entire crostata with sugar.
Bake for 40 minutes until the crust is golden.
Allow to cool.
Notes
A scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream make fine toppings!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
So delicious and so easy Annie! A little piece of summer during this very cold winter!
Annie says
Never not in the mood for a little piece of summer! Thanks, Mary Ann!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Strawberry and mint is so perfect together! This looks delicious Annie. Your crust is on point. Happy Valentine’s Day weekend!
Annie says
Thanks, Katherine!! 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Just lovely and a splendid treat indeed! Strawberries are especially lovely in Winter I think. A taste of Summer is always welcome this time of year 🙂
Annie says
Yes! I love that!! A taste of summer…. Thanks, Jennifer!
Marissa says
What a gorgeous crostata, Annie – perfect for Valentine’s Day! Loving the flavor combination of strawberries and mint and that crust looks like flaky perfection.
Annie says
Thank you, Marissa! I have to say – the berries are great, but the crust is my favorite!! 🙂