Friday, September 23, 2011

Peach-nectarine-almond tart

I had the best nectarines and peaches this past summer that I've ever had in my life.  The flavor topped any organic I've had, and that says a lot considering the delicious quality stone fruit we get here in Oregon.  This past summer....as today marks fall equinox, a lovely and welcome transition.

A recipe for short crust, not quite a double amount - plus the best fruit you can find.  One cannot make up for so-so peaches with sugar.  I only had two good peaches on hand, not enough for a pie so I added nectarines. 

Peach-nectarine-almond tart


This makes a tart smaller than a pie, so if you adjust for a pie pan, you'll need more fruit.  I used an 8" tart pan with 2" sides. 

Peach-nectarine-almond tart ~

2 peaches, largish and peeled
3 medium nectarines, peel left on
1/4 c. sugar
2 T. brown sugar
Freshly grated nutmeg
The barest pinch of salt
1 T. tapioca powder

Optional streusel, approx. 3 T.
Crushed sliced almonds, approx. 2 T.


Egg wash and extra sugar, coarse grain - optional


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.


  • Mix the sugars, salt, nutmeg, tapioca flour.   
  • Peel the peaches, slice into halves, then each half into four slices.  Slice nectarines in the same manner. 
  • Mix dry ingredients with the sliced fruit.

  • Roll out the crust, line the pan.  
  • Sprinkle the streusel and almonds over the interior.
  • Roll out the remaining dough and cut into 3/4" strips.  
  • Add the fruit to the pan, top with lattice weaving.
  • Press edges together and pinch off.
  • Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 30 minutes.  Reduce to 350 degree and bake approximately another 20-30 minutes, until the crust is golden as you like it.

Happy Fall.    

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

But Mom...

"....if you don't post your blog, how can we find the recipes?"  A conversation at the table one evening -- Sofia said she was going to make my recipes some day and open a little bakery....Annie said she was going to make my recipes one day and eat them.  They said I had to write them down.  Annie asking how to find them if I don't publish them online for them to find....Nic asks why I stopped posting.  Simple questions, challenging answers.

Peach-nectarine-almond tart



That tart there in the picture...it's the kind that makes me want my children to have the recipe one day...that tastes so good it's one they will remember for a long time.  Not that they got any of  this particular tart...*lol*...it was given away as a Good Wishes sentiment.  Aside from that, yes, they would like this recipe for their own someday.  So come Friday I'll post the recipe....though no longer a baker....simply a love of baking quietly for my children...and anyone else that wanders across my path when I am in the mood to pass it out.

It's another day ~ aren't we lucky?