APRICOT AND ALMOND TART

Summer apricots make a great tart, but you can choose plums, pears, apples are all great too, whatever is available.

10/12 portions

Pastry to line a 28cm x 3cm loose based tart tin

250g plain flour

180g butter, cold, cut into cubes

75g icing sugar

2 egg yolks

Put the flour and butter in a large bowl and rub them together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, or you can do this in the processor. Tip in the sugar, mix lightly, now work in the egg yolks until you have a smooth dough. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill for at least an hour (or up to three days)

Filling

100g butter, room temperature

100g golden caster sugar, plus 2-3 tablespoons for sprinkling

100g amaretto biscuits

100g ground almonds

2 eggs

12/14 apricots, cut in half, stones removed

Set the oven to 180c/gas 4 and place a baking tray in the oven to preheat.

Make the filling in the processor by mixing the butter, sugar, biscuits, ground almonds and eggs.

Set the filling aside while you line the tart tin with the pastry.

Pour the filling mixture into the pastry case, place the apricots on top cut side up and sprinkle with the extra 2/3 tablespoons sugar. Put the tart on the hot baking tray and cook for 50-55 minutes until completely set and nicely browned.