1: Prepare 150 g confectioner's custard (crème pâtissière, or french pastry cream) using the normal method, but at the start leave a handful of verbena leaves to infuse in the milk (instead of the vanilla). This will give you a verbena-flavoured custard. Cover and leave to cool.
2: Cut 4 poacheds pears into small pieces and drain carefully.
3: Prepare ing5.
4: And fold gently into the cooled verbena-flavoured custard. Beat for a few seconds by hand to "loosen". This is now a verbena diplomat cream.
6: Pipe a generous layer of cream into each tart case.
7: Arrange a layer of pear slices on top...
8: ...ideally in the shape of a flower.
9: For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprig of verbena. Your little pear verbena tarts are ready.
Remarks
For a quicker, simpler version of this recipe, use a classic sweetcrust pastry and a simple confectioner's custard (without added whipped cream). If you have any leftover cream and fruit (which often happens, I assure you), make little verrines by layering the pears in small glasses with a generous topping of cream.