From C&H SUGAR

Recipe in partnership with @pastrywithjenn

Digital Rights: Pastry with Jenn

These rustic tarts showcase festive cranberries nestled in a tender, cake-like frangipane filling.

YOU’LL NEED

FOR THE CRUST
1 large egg yolk
1 1/3 all purpose flour
3 tablespoons C&H Golden Brown Sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR THE FILLING
2/3 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2/3 cup C&H Confectioners Sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

FOR ASSEMBLY
2 tablespoons C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
3/4 cup fresh or frozen and thawed cranberries
C&H Confectioners Sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS
FOR THE CRUST
1.In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk and vanilla until combined. Set aside.

2.In a food processor, add the flour, C&H Golden Brown Sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined. Add the butter and pulse until the butter pieces are the size of small peas. Drizzle in the egg mixture. Process until the dough starts to hold together. If it looks sandy and dry, add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse again till it comes together.

3.Form the dough into a disc and place in cling wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick. If at any point it gets too soft, transfer the dough to a parchment-lined sheet pan and place in the fridge for 5 minutes before resuming.

4.Using a 3-inch tart shell as your guide, make 4 circles of dough about 1 1/2-inch wider than the tart rim. Press the dough into 4 tart shells. Trim the excess dough. Dock the bottoms with a fork. Re-roll the scraps of dough and repeat with the remaining tart shells. Place them onto a half sheet pan and freeze for 30 minutes.

5.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

6.Bake the tarts for 20 minutes until dry in appearance and just begin to brown on the edges. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile preparing the filling.

FOR THE FILLING

1.In the food processor, add the almond and all-purpose flours, C&H Confectioners Sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined. Add the butter and blend until combined. Scrape down the sides. Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract and blend until fully incorporated.

2.The frangipane can be used now or placed in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with cling wrap placed directly on the surface. It will stiffen. To re-warm it in the microwave, place in a heatproof bowl and zap for 10-second intervals at MEDIUM power. Then mix by hand to loosen it until it’s a spreadable consistency.

FOR ASSEMBLY
1.Increase the oven to 350 degrees.

2.In a mortar and pestle, add the C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar and orange zest. Grind to a fine consistency, infusing the sugar with the zest. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, place the sugar and zest in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to crush the sugar. Pour the infused sugar into a small bowl. Add the cranberries and toss well to coat. Set aside.

3.With an offset spatula, spread a layer of frangipane 3/4 full, in each of the cooled tart shells. Scatter the cranberries over the frangipane. (there were 7 to 8 in each tart shell for this recipe).

4.Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the frangipane is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out cleanly. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool in the pans. Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature.

5.Just before serving, dust the tops with C&H Confectioners Sugar. The tarts are best the same day. After that, the crust will soften a bit, but they’ll still be tasty!

TIP
This recipe is a great way to feature different seasonal fruits. In the summer, try substituting for fresh raspberries, apricots or plums.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at chsugar.com