raspberry and almond tart

June 4, 2013

Labeled:

If you’re ever in need of a last minute dessert that will look pretty and taste delicious, I’d recommend this recipe. Since it calls for puff pastry, you don’t have to worry about making dough, which can sometimes/always be a temperamental pain. The tart puffs up to flaky goodness in the oven and is absolutely perfect topped with fresh berries and cream. This dessert still tastes light enough, though, making it feel slightly guilt free!

Raspberry and Almond Tart adapted from Giada De Laurentis
makes 6 to 8 servings


INGREDIENTS
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17 1/4-ounce package), thawed
1 egg, beaten to blend
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1.5-2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur (or you can use almond extract)
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely crumbled
2 (6-ounce) baskets fresh raspberries
unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut a 3/4-inch wide strip off each side of the pastry and reserve. Roll out the pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface to a 10-inch square. Brush the edges of the square with the egg. Working with 1 strip at a time, stand the strips along the edges of the pastry square and crimp where the corners meet. The idea is to create a shallow box, where the pastry square is the base and the 4 strips are the walls. Overlap the strips at the corners, stretching them if necessary to complete the walls of the box. Brush the border with the egg. Pierce the center of the pastry all over with a fork. Bake until the pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool completely.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form. With the mixer still running, gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks. Add the liqueur and beat until just well blended; be careful not to overmix or the whipped cream will turn into a buttery consistency and start to separate. using a large spatula, fold in the nuts. Spoon the cream mixture into the prepared pastry crust. Arrange the berries over the cream. Sift the cocoa powder over and serve immediately.
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Do you have a last minute go-to dessert for parties or entertaining?
xox