courté

Courté refers to a type of French pastry, often a small, sweet tart. The term itself is derived from the French word "court," meaning short, suggesting the characteristic crumbly or "short" texture of the pastry dough used. These tarts are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, commonly fruit such as apples, berries, or cherries, or sometimes a creamy custard or frangipane. The dough is usually a pâte sucrée, a sweet, rich shortcrust pastry.

The preparation of a courté involves blind-baking the pastry shell before adding the filling, which helps to ensure a crisp base. The size of a courté is generally individual, making them suitable for a single serving. They are a popular item in French bakeries and patisseries, enjoyed as a dessert or a treat with coffee or tea. While the term can broadly apply to small tarts, specific regional variations or recipes might exist under more precise names. The simplicity of its construction, focusing on good quality ingredients and a well-executed pastry, is a hallmark of this classic French confection.