| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 335 | 16g | 8g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 5g | 0.1g |
When I think about joyful moments in the kitchen, my mind often wanders back to my grandmother’s warm, bustling space where the scent of her Rose Apple and Almond Tart would fill the air. Indeed, this fruit-based recipe still brings me a sense of togetherness and warmth. It’s not only about the familiarity and comfort of the tart, but also its inherent Midwestern charm that I find irresistible.
The Bake and Beyond
Life in Nebraska taught me about the importance of balancing flavors. The rose apples breathe life into the tart with their unique taste and aroma, while the almond paste adds an earthy undertone. And there’s nothing like the slight tanginess of the lemon juice and apricot jam playing off against the buttery, sugary crust. This tart reminds me of Polish Szarlotka or French Tarte Tatin – all celebrating the wonderful versatility of apples in dessert concoctions.
Should you find yourself planning a feast, this tart can be a showstopper dessert. It pairs brilliantly with savoury dishes like roast chicken or herb-infused staples like Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, offering a sweet balance to the meal.
Nurturing through Nourishment
True to my Midwestern roots, I value the wholesome goodness of nutritious ingredients. Apples, as we know, bring a host of benefits to our table. These crimson jewels are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthful addition to any diet. Moreover, almonds are a notable source of vitamin E and healthy fats. While this tart is indeed a treat, it’s delightful to think about the goodness going into each mouthful.
Every time I make this tart, it feels like a small gesture of love towards the people I share it with, just as my grandmother did whenever I visited her in Nebraska. My own family has grown to love this Rose Apple and Almond Tart as much as I do. I hope you will too.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 6 rose apples, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your tart crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Then, add the chilled and diced unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry mixture, until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Step Two
Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, to the mixture. Stir well after each addition until a dough starts to form. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Step Three
After the dough has chilled, bring it out and roll it on a lightly floured surface. Aim to create a circle that’s about 1/8-inch thick and large enough to fit into your tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough into the pan, trim any excess and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbles forming while baking.
Step Four
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place almond paste in a bowl and mash until it becomes soft. Evenly spread the almond paste onto the tart shell.
Step Five
Arrange the thinly sliced rose apples on top of the almond paste, in whatever design you prefer. In a small bowl, mix together the apricot jam and lemon juice. Brush this mixture over the apple slices using a pastry brush.
Step Six
Place the tart in the preheated oven, bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and apples are tender. Allow the tart to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step Seven
Just before serving, dust the tart lightly with the confectioner’s sugar. Your Rose Apple and Almond Tart is ready to serve and enjoy!
