Apricot Armagnac Almond Tart

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.

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: January 2005