INGREDIENTS
Sweet shortcrust pastry
1/2 cups (375g) plain flour
1/4 cup (40g) icing sugar
1/4 tsp salt
125g cold unsalted butter, cubed
2 eggs
Frangipane
100g unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp extra
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (130g) almond meal
2 tbsp plain flour
3 large Granny Smith apples
1 tbsp apricot jam
METHOD
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 22cm fluted loose-based flan tin.
2. To make the pastry, place the flour, icing sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor with the butter. Process until it has a fine crumb consistency.
3. Add the eggs and process until the dough comes together in a soft ball. Flatten into a thick disc and wrap with plastic. Rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
4. Roll out the pastry to 3mm thick and lift into the prepared tin. Repair any tears by pressing the pastry together. Cover the pastry with baking paper and fill with rice or baking weights. Bake for 10 minutes or until just starting to turn golden. Remove the baking weights and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes or until the base is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Do not turn off the oven.
5. To make the frangipane, in an electric mixer, cream the butter and 1/2 cup caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Add the almond meal and flour and beat to a smooth paste. Refrigerate while preparing the apples.
6. Peel and core the apples, then slice very thinly. Spread the frangipane over the base of the pastry case. Arrange the apples decoratively over the frangipane. Sprinkle evenly with the extra caster sugar and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges of the apple are browning and the pastry is golden. Warm the apricot jam in the microwave and brush over the apple with a pastry brush.
7. Serve warm with double cream or vanilla ice cream.
Recipe extracted from Classic by Julie Goodwin (RRP $39.99). Available from bookstores and online retailers.
BEST WINE MATCH FOR APPLE FRANGIPANE TART
Classics love classics for good reason. Any Noble One-inspired Botrytis Semillon will be perfect.