Spiced Pear and Almond Tart

This elegant Spiced Pear and Almond Tart combines the classic flavors of sweet pears with a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in a buttery almond crust. The creamy almond filling complements the juicy pears beautifully, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This dessert is not only delightful but also respects traditional baking principles while introducing a creative twist with the spiced almond filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the pear slices with cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey or maple syrup until well coated.
6. Arrange the spiced pear slices over the baked tart crust in a decorative pattern.
7. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pears and return the tart to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the pears are tender and the almonds are golden.
8. Allow the tart to cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.