French Apple Tart
Monday, November 5, 2012 at 8:27 PM 
Election day! As someone who lives in a swing state, today I am thankful for the fact that the campaigning is over. We have had no fewer than four people at our door each evening to ask us if we have voted, for whom we voted, and whether someone named Charles who previously lived here has voted (I have no idea). I admire their dedication and passion but wow -- full court press! I miss the days of voting in Massachusetts where presidential candidates barely bothered to advertise. It also reminds me of when I worked for a Senator and a Congresswoman in college. I'm pretty sure I was insufferable.
Instead of worrying about politics over the past few weeks, we prepared for Halloween and attempted to "manage" the pesky squirrels who ate not one but three of my pumpkins. Poor Forest has been tortured by their piggish ways (see below). I am convinced this is the same squirrel who ate half of my peaches earlier this summer (he is the plumpest of all his friends). Honestly.
We also had our first snow! I met J for an early morning run and it was so fun to see our house covered in snow for the first time (and to have the temperature rebound to 68 degrees later that week).
Back to dessert. You know you've written a great blog post when it inspires people to run to their kitchens and get cooking! Last month, a post about a French Apple Tart from Alexandra's Kitchen inspired me.
I'd seen the tart in Saveur, but was thrilled to try Ali's rendition, which included an additional layer of frangipane (a delicious blend of almonds, butter, and sugar). The added frangipane elevates this tart... and if you can make the tart look beautiful, you've got yourself the perfect dinner party dessert offering. Me? I had a bit of trouble with perfecting the "rose" design that is supposed to result, but I thought it was lovely all the same.
Alexandra's Kitchen's French Apple Tart
First, be sure to watch the Saveur slideshow for step-by-step instructions on making the rose design. Don't be discouraged if it isn't perfect - it will still taste great. Do you see those funky petals in the middle of mine? Eek.
Second, follow Ali's recipe. If you have the ingredients, make the frangipane - I think it takes this tart from good to great and it comes together in seconds.
Third enjoy!
Dessert, Pies & Crumbles in In the Kitchen
Reader Comments (8)
What a beautiful tart! Love the picture of your cat - too funny!
Thanks, Jackie. I was totally befuddled by the middle of it... but it still tasted good in the end.
Darcy this is so beautiful! Mine looks like dog poo in comparison. And your snow-covered house is stunning! And you could never be insufferable! And I love your cat. And And And!
Ali, you are too sweet and totally wrong - yours was beautiful! And so, so good. I need to make this again ASAP.
so much to say. 1) Thank goodness for Colorado and your vote! Waaaahoooo! (i'm just assuming you voted for Obama...not sure if you've mentioned anything about it....) 2) seems like CO will need lots of munchie related snacks now that pot is legal. I think perhaps you should get Ali to move to CO and then the two of you can start a baked goods cafe that also has a roving food truck. 3) This tart should definitely be on the menu at both the cafe and on the truck. OH MAN. Folks with the munchies would definitely buy the whole tart. 4) Your cat. 5) That squirrel. 6) Your snow covered house!!!! 7) maybe a picture of your kitchen?!
Ha ha - what a great idea about the munchies! Maybe homemade Cheetos? Not sure if those have any "real" ingredients... Next post - kitchen photos!
That is simply a work of art!! I am completely drooling. I am going to add this to my Mouth Watering Mondays post this Monday at www.noshingwiththenolands.com Cheers, Tara
Thanks, Tara! Such sweet comments and much appreciated.