Pear Tart

The subtle hint of almond highlights the spiced pears in this tart. Surprisingly, this tart is not only delicious, but full of healthy ingredients such as walnuts, apples, and pears. It is sure to impress your dinner guests with its elegant presence. Serve with a dollop of spiced coconut whipped cream.

Ingredients

• Pie crust for 8 inch tart: regular or gluten free

Filling ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts, heaping

• 1/2 cup apple sauce

• 6 pitted Medjool dates

• 1/4 cup plant milk

• 2 tbsp ground flax

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp ginger

• 1 tsp almond extract

Topping ingredients

• 2 pears, slightly firm

• 1 tsp arrowroot powder

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/8 tsp allspice

• 2 tbsp coconut sugar mixed with 1/4 tsp clove

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Make pie crust and place it into an 8 inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Make sure to see that the edges are thick enough to hold up. (You do not need to pre-bake.)

3. Puree the walnuts through almond extract in a Vitamix or other high powered blender until smooth.

4. Spread the filling mixture in the bottom of the pie crust.

5. Peel and slice the pears into 1/4 inch slices. Gently toss them with the arrowroot powder, lemon juice, and allspice. Position the pears in a concentric circle over the filling mixture beginning on the edge with the smaller side pointing inward. Place a second circle on the inside overlapping the outside pears.

6. Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20-25 minutes until browned.

7. Let cool completely on a rack. Store in fridge and remove tart from tin when ready to serve.

8. Serve with coconut whipped cream that is lightly sweetened with Lakanto or regular powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp almond extract, and 1/8 tsp allspice (or other fall spice).