Simmering the apricots in Armagnac plumps them and adds a rich vanilla flavour. You can substitute regular brandy or 1/3cup (75 mL) apricot nectar and 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice for the Armagnac.
- Portion size 8 servings
- Credits : Canadian Living Magazine: January 2005
Ingredients
Filling:
Method
On lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to scant 1/4-inch (5 mm) thickness. Fit into 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with removable bottom. Trim edge to 1/2-inch (1 cm) overhang; fold overhang over pastry on rim then press up to stand 1/4 inch (5 mm) above edge of pan. Prick all over with fork. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Line pie shell with foil; fill evenly with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in bottom third of 400°F (200°C) oven until rim is light golden, about 15 minutes. Remove weights and foil; let cool on rack.
Filling: Meanwhile, in small saucepan, bring apricots, Armagnac, lemon juice and 1/4 cup (50 mL) water to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until apricots are softened, about 15 minutes. Transfer to food processor; pur?until smooth. Spread over crust.
In bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; beat in 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the sugar, 2 tsp (10 mL) at a time, until stiff peaks form. In large bowl, beat butter with remaining sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, 1 at a time; beat in vanilla. Stir in flour. Stir in one-third of the egg whites. Fold in remaining egg whites. Spread over filling. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake in bottom third of 375°F (190°C) oven until tester inserted in centre comes out clean and almonds are golden, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool on rack. (Make-ahead: Let stand at room temperature for up to 24 hours.) Dust with icing sugar.
Nutritional facts <b>Per serving:</b> about
- Sodium 219 mg
- Protein 7 g
- Calories 473.0
- Total fat 27 g
- Cholesterol 117 mg
- Saturated fat 14 g
- Total carbohydrate 52 g
%RDI
- Iron 18.0
- Folate 15.0
- Calcium 4.0
- Vitamin A 38.0
- Vitamin C 3.0
