pear and almond tart recipe
We're setting sail today around the Hawkesbury River on Sydney Harbour and thought a simple Pear and Almond Tart would be a perfect accompaniment for morning coffee. If you're thinking of making a tart, this is recipe is for you! I've shown in the photo fresh pears but tinned pears are better. The trickiest part is the pastry (Pst...buy some Careme Vanilla Bean Sweet Shortcrust Pastry instead. It's sooo good if you're short on time). Don't forget to add a dollop of creme fraiche on a slice of tart to leave your taste buds in rapture. See recipe after the break
Pear and Almond Tart
Sweet Vanilla Bean Shortcrust Pastry
250g plain flour
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
125g unsalted butter, chopped and softened
50ml cold water
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla essence or a vanilla pod
Sift the flour and salt together into a large bowl. Make a hole in the middle and add egg, butter, vanilla and water and rub into flour with fingertips until dough is formed
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until just combined. Shape into a large disc, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least half an hour
Pear and Almond Tart
Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (as above)
Plain Flour for dusting
50g soft unsalted butter
100g caster sugar
100g ground almonds (almond meal)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon Ameretto
1 large tin of pear halves (790g)
Creme fraiche or heavy cream
Gently roll out rested pastry on a lightly floured surface until 4mm thick. Use a 25cm round tart tin with a removable base (I used a rectangular shape). Gently place pastry on top of tin, press in and cut off excess with a sharp knife. Refrigerate for 30 minutes
Preheat oven at 160oC (320oF)
Cream butter and sugar in a bowl using a electric beater until light and fluffy. Stir in ground almonds, then add eggs, Ameretto and beat until combined. Spoon into prepared tin and smooth out contents. Carefully cut pear halves across-ways (being careful not to go all the way through) and alternately place in top of mixture
Bake tart for 40 minutes or until golden brown