Pear and Almond Cream Tart

Directions

• STEP 1
  

  Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter. Add icing sugar and ground almonds. Scrape down bowl. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla, almond extract and pinch of salt. Add flour and mix until well combined.

• STEP 2
  

  Peel pears and cut in half. Using a melon baller or paring knife, remove stem and seeds. Slice pears, width wise, into thin slices. Toss pear slices in cinnamon to coat.

• STEP 3
  

  Pour almond batter into an 8" spring-form pan or into an 8" tart pan with a removable bottom. Spread batter out evenly. Place pears on top of batter in a circular pattern, overlapping pears slightly. Sprinkle top of pears with sliced almonds. Bake tart at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let tart cool before removing from pan and before slicing. Slice into even pieces and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.