Apricot Almond Tart

This delightful Apricot Almond Tart brings together the sweet, chewy texture of dried apricots with a creamy almond filling, all nestled in a buttery pastry crust. The tart is finished with a light glaze and garnished with slivered almonds for an elegant touch. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, balancing traditional flavors with a hint of creativity, and is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Slivered almonds for garnish
• Apricot jam for glazing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, almond meal, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Pour the apricot mixture into the baked tart shell, spreading it evenly. Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg.
7. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and lightly browned.
8. Once cool, warm the apricot jam and brush it over the tart for a glossy finish. Garnish with slivered almonds before serving.