Peach and almond tart

Peach and Almond Tart – A Perfect Delicacy

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today, I invite you to prepare a peach and almond tart, a dessert that combines the sweetness of fruits with the intense aroma of almonds. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds but also an opportunity to showcase your cooking skills. The tart is perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or as a sweet finale to a special dinner. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 - 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 175 g flour + for dusting
- 85 g cold butter, diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 100 g sugar
- 140 g soft butter
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g ground almonds
- 50 g flour
- 4 peaches, peeled and sliced
- Plum jam (optional, for added flavor)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and sugar. Ensure the ingredients are well combined. Add the cold butter and, using your fingertips, gently rub until you achieve a crumbly texture.

Practical Tip: Use quality butter, as it will influence the texture and taste of the tart. Try to work quickly to avoid melting the butter, keeping the dough cold.

Add the two egg yolks and a tablespoon of cold water. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add a little more water, but be careful not to make it too wet. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, beat the egg together with the egg whites and sugar until you achieve a fluffy foam.

Tip: A well-beaten foam will give the filling an airy and light texture, essential for a perfect tart.

Add the soft butter and mix vigorously until well combined. Incorporate the ground almonds and flour, gently folding with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the Tart
Remove the dough from the fridge. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover a rectangular tart pan. Place the dough in the pan, ensuring the edges are well defined.

To prevent the dough from puffing up during baking, place a sheet of parchment paper on top and fill with beans or tart weights. Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes.

Suggestion: If you prefer a crisper crust, you can bake the dough without weights for the first 5 minutes, then add the weights for the remaining time.

Once the dough is lightly golden, remove it from the oven. Take off the parchment paper and weights, then spread the base with plum jam (if using) for extra flavor.

Step 4: Adding the Filling
Pour the almond filling over the prepared dough and arrange the peach slices on top, beautifully wrapping them for an attractive look.

Variation: You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits such as apricots or nectarines to diversify the recipe.

Place the tart in the oven and bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until the filling turns golden-brown. Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance.

Step 5: Serving
The tart can be served warm or at room temperature, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will turn the dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Personal Note: I love to add a few fresh mint leaves for a color contrast and a touch of freshness.

Nutritional Benefits
The peach and almond tart is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, while almonds provide protein and healthy fats. This is an excellent choice for a dessert that satisfies both the sweet tooth and nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace peaches with other fruits such as apples, plums, or cherries. Make sure to adjust the baking time according to the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the tart less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. You can also use low-sugar jams.

3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. This will make the cooking process quicker on the day you want to serve the dessert.

4. How can I tell when the tart is done?
The tart is done when the filling turns golden-brown and the dough is well-baked. You can test it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the tart is ready.

Conclusion
This peach and almond tart is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create memories around the table. With each slice, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, don't hesitate! Start cooking and enjoy every moment!