French Cran-Apple-Almond Tart...

This would have been a delicious addition to our Thanksgiving dessert menu - if only there had been room on the table!  My mom found this recipe and wanted to give it a try while she was here - but we were so busy making and stuffing OTHER things into our mouth that we didn't get around to this!  (And mom, let me tell you, this is VOONDABAH!  It will be front and center on the dessert table next year!)  I served this last week at my book club luncheon - and immediately upon tasting it the ladies all turned into Sally Field...they liked it, they really liked it!  And what's not to like...after all, the French know their tarts!  Cranberries provide a burst of holiday flavor...sweet and softened apples - like buttah they are...and almond paste - nectar of the gods - then there's the buttery crumb topping...oh my stars, it's just plain yummy. 

The mister is finally finished with his Christmas shopping...he sat down at his desk and took all of 2 minutes to write out a list of who he was going to shop for...then he handed me the list.  He's an expert at "delegating."  While he is comfortably ensconced in his Lazy-Boy at Global Headquarters, reading the newspaper, sipping Oo-long tea and munching on those nasty trans-fat-laden-orange-colored-fake-peanut-butter-filled-crackers, I'll be out amongst the throngs of Christmas shoppers trying to find gifts for ten  when I have money for five - ho-ho-ho.  At least I'll have this to come home to...I managed to squirrel away the last slice - I'll light the fire, turn on the Hallmark Channel or possibly Lifetime - whichever has the sappiest Christmas movie, and I'll savor every crumb...because folks, this one is worth savoring.  Dang, dang, dang, dang good. 

French Cran-Apple-Almond Tart - Adapted From Viking River Cruises  

1 unbaked, room temperature 9-inch tart shell (I used Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust - worked like a dream!)

1 roll (about 7 oz.) almond paste

1 cup fresh cranberries

5 medium-sized apples (preferably Macintosh), peeled and sliced to make approximately 5 cups

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup uncooked oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold or frozen

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Flatten almond paste on a sheet of wax paper with a rolling pin, to form an 8-inch circle. Press almond circle into the bottom of the unbaked tart shell. In a bowl, combine cranberries, apples, sugar and a half teaspoon of cinnamon, mix well until all fruit is coated. Pour on top of almond circle, into tart shell. In a bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon, oats, flour and brown sugar. Cut butter into very small pieces and mix into cinnamon mixture until crumbs form. Spoon crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apple mixture. Bake 50-60 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced almonds during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.  This is made even better when served with ice cream.  Serves 8.  (Santa head optional).

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!"  ~Charles Dickens

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One year ago:  Jell-O Popcorn Balls

Two years ago:  Wedding Flowers

Comments

[Folsäure]

Hello
I like to create and cook new recipe.I have not cooked Tart before but now I really want to cook it.I will try this French Cran-Apple-Almond tart.I like the way you have garnished it.

[coque iphone]

Hey, its so sweet that you have garnished it with sweet little man. I liked it very much. I really want to try it out. thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.