Lemon-Almond Tarts

Vanilla wafers make a simple crumb crust for the lemon-almond custard filling of these refreshing tarts. Sweet, fresh raspberries top the custard and complete the flavor combination.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Wafer Crusts
• 75 vanilla wafers
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Lemon-Almond Filling
• 1 (7-oz.) package almond paste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2/3 cup lemon curd
• 2 (6-oz.) packages fresh raspberries
• Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Directions:

1. Prepare Crusts: Preheat oven to 350°. Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor 8 to 10 times or until finely crushed. Stir together crushed wafers, powdered sugar, and butter in a medium bowl. Press crumb mixture on bottom and up sides of 6 lightly greased 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms. Place on a baking sheet.

2. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).

3. Meanwhile, prepare Filling: Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Beat almond paste and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Pour mixture into crusts.

4. Bake at 325° for 18 to 20 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown around edges. Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Spread 1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon curd onto each tart. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Remove tarts from pans, and top with raspberries just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

Note: 

 

Find almond paste in the baking aisle, either in a tube-shaped plastic wrapper (which we call for in this recipe) or a can. If you find it only in a can, use 3/4 cup. We tested with Odense Pure Almond Paste.

Southern Living
JUNE 2010