Blueberry-Almond Tart

Photo: flickr user Apuch

Ingredients

4 pints ct fresh blueberries - (½ ea)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 lrg egg yolks

2 teaspoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sliced almonds plus

2 tablespoons sliced almonds lightly toasted

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter - (1 stick) cut ½" cu

1 lrg egg yolk

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup red currant jelly for glaze

Preparation

For filling: Combine 2 baskets berries, sugar, and lemon juice in heavy medium saucepan. Coarsely mash berries. Stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves and mixture boils and thickens, about 7 minutes.

Whisk yolks and cornstarch in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in half of hot berry mixture; return to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils and thickens, about 3 minutes. Whisk in butter and lemon peel. Transfer filling to bowl. Cover and chill overnight.

For crust: Lightly butter 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Blend flour, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, sugar, and salt in processor until almonds are finely ground. Add butter; using on/off turns, cut in until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Whisk egg yolk and almond extract in small bowl; add to processor and blend until moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Press dough onto bottom and up sides of prepared pan. Pierce crust all over with fork; freeze 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line crust with foil; fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until crust is set, about 12 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake until crust is golden, about 18 minutes longer. Cool crust completely on rack.

Spread filling in crust; sprinkle remaining 2 baskets berries over. Stir currant jelly in small saucepan over medium heat until melted; brush over berries. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sliced almonds around edge of tart. Cover loosely with foil and chill at least 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

Remove pan sides. Place tart on platter. Serve cold or at room temperature.

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

Comments: Ground almonds add a delicate nutty flavor to the crust. Begin making the filling a day before assembling the tart; once completed, it can be chilled another day before serving.