Larry Crowe / APThis American berry tart is based on a simplified version of a French fruit tart. Summer officially arrived this week, and that means one thing. Well, OK, it means a lot of things ...

That doesn't mean fruit tarts are difficult to make. As impressive as they look, the recipes are pretty straightforward. In fact, the accompanying Fresh Fruit Custard Tart is perfect for beginners.

Perfect fruit tarts require perfect fruit. Since the fruit on classic fruit tarts isn't cooked and is a huge part of the final taste profile, it must not only look great, but taste great on its own.

This peach-brown butter-custard tart falls in the latter category. It’s understated and refined but still gets noticed.

For a rustic yet sophisticated fruit dessert in a country-French style, choose a fruit and custard tart made with store-bought puff pastry.

So Chen agreed to share her Apple Custard Tart recipe here instead. This tart is something my mother made since I was a child, so I assumed it was her special down-home recipe.

Put everything back on the heat and turn until it thickens. Once the tarts and cream have thickened, insert the cream and decorate with fresh fruit or to taste.

Serve these chocolate tarts with a dusting of icing sugar and cream. Photo / Babiche Martens Spoil yourself with these decadent chocolate tarts. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and ...