Crispy Braeburn Apple And Almond Sheet Tart Food

CRISPY BRAEBURN APPLE AND ALMOND SHEET TART

Steps:

• For almond cream:
• Whisk almond flour and sugar in medium bowl. Whisk egg, vanilla, and salt in another medium bowl. Whisk half of almond mixture into egg mixture. Whisk in whipping cream, then remaining almond mixture. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of almond cream, then cover with foil and chill at least 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• For crust:
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Place stack of phyllo sheets on work surface and cover with plastic wrap, then damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Transfer 1 phyllo sheet to prepared baking sheet (keep remaining phyllo covered). Brush phyllo sheet lightly with some of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with scant 1 teaspoon sugar. Top with second phyllo sheet; brush with melted butter and sprinkle with scant 1 teaspoon sugar. Repeat with remaining 6 phyllo sheets, melted butter, and sugar.
• Spoon almond cream in dollops atop phyllo, then carefully spread evenly over, leaving 1/2-inch plain border on all sides. Using palm of hand, fan out 7 apple slices, side by side and slightly overlapping, on work surface. Using spatula, transfer fanned-out apple slices to corner of 1 short side of phyllo. Repeat fanning out 7 apple slices at a time, arranging in 2 to 3 lengthwise rows atop almond cream, spacing close together.
• Bake tart until apples are tender, almond cream is set, and crust is golden and crisp, about 40 minutes. Transfer baking sheet with tart to rack. Carefully run metal spatula under tart to loosen from sheet.
• Combine preserves and 3 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring to loosen. Brush preserves over apples and tart crust. Using 2 large metal spatulas, transfer tart to platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
• Sometimes labeled "ground almonds"; available at specialty foods stores and natural foods stores.

ROASTED BRAEBURN APPLE JAM

Steps:

• Peel and core the apples. Cut them in half and then into thin slices. In a large skillet, heat the honey over low heat until it begins to foam and turns a very light brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the ground cinnamon and apple slices. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring from time to time with a wooden spoon, until the apples are soft, 30 to 35 minutes.
• While the apples are cooking, flavor the cider: In a medium saucepan, combine the cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves and vinegar and bring to a simmer over high heat. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Make the jam: Strain the cider mixture over the cooked apples (discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves). Simmer the apples over medium heat until all of the flavors meld and the liquid is almost completely absorbed, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the lemon zest and juice. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool. Divide the jam among jars and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

ALMOND & APPLE TART

Steps:

• First, make the pastry. Using a free-standing mixer fitted with a beater attachment (or an electric hand whisk and large bowl), mix the butter and sugar until smooth and pale. Reduce the speed, slowly add the flour, then just before it's fully combined, add the egg yolk and mix briefly until smooth (if the pastry is dry add 1 tsp cold water). Remove the pastry from the bowl, wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge overnight, or for at least 1 hr.
• For the frangipane, cream the butter and icing sugar in a freestanding mixer or with an electric hand whisk until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the almonds and calvados and beat for 3 mins more. Chill until needed.
• Heat oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3. Roll out the pastry on a well-floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Gently press the pastry into either a 23cm tart ring on a baking sheet or a 23cm fluted tart tin (the pastry may crack - patch up any holes with leftover pastry). Trim the edges neatly, then chill in the fridge for 20 mins.
• Stand the tart tin (if using) on a baking sheet, then spoon in the frangipane and smooth with the back of the spoon, leaving a 0.5cm gap at the top. Peel and core the apples, then cut into 4mm slices using a mandolin or knife across the width of the apple so there's a hole in the middle of each slice. Arrange the apples on top of the frangipane. Sieve a good layer of icing sugar on top, then bake for 1 hr-1 hr 15 mins or until the apples are caramelised and the frangipane is cooked (use a skewer to check). Leave to cool for 30 mins before serving.
• Next make the Chantilly. Whip the double cream and icing sugar to soft peaks, then add the Calvados and vanilla seeds, and whisk again until the mixture holds its shape. Chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve with the tart.