Classic Almond and Pear Tart

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• • Butter: 100 g (7 tablespoons), softened
  • Powdered Sugar: 50 g (1/4 cup)
  • Oil: 3 tablespoons

• • Salt: A pinch
  • Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 tablespoon)
  • Cornstarch: 50 g (1/3 cup)

• • Egg: 1 (large)
  • Baking Powder: A pinch
  • 00 Flour: 250 g (2 cups)

For the Almond Filling:

• • Butter: 150 g (2/3 cup), softened
  • Granulated Sugar: 150 g (3/4 cup)
  • Almonds: 150 g (1 1/4 cups, finely ground)

• • Eggs: 2 (large)
  • Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon
  • Flour: 35 g (1/4 cup)

For the Topping:

• • Apricot Jam: 100 g (1/3 cup)
  • Pears in Syrup: Sliced
  • Sliced Almonds: To taste

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting

Steps to Make Classic Almond and Pear Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry

1. 1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the oil, salt, vanilla sugar, and egg, beating until fully incorporated.

1. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cornstarch, baking powder, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Almond Filling

5. 5. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a clean bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.

5. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the ground almonds and flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

8. 8. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press it gently into the pan and trim the edges.

8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the almond filling over the pastry base.
9. Arrange the Pears: Drain the pears from the syrup and slice them thinly. Arrange the slices in a decorative pattern over the almond filling.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

11. 11. Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.

11. Glaze the Tart: Warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the tart while it’s still warm to create a shiny glaze.
12. Add Toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

14. 14. Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing to serve.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Information

• • Servings: 8
  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Protein: 6g

• • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g