Pear Ginger Frangipane Tart

Though this dessert is a total showstopper, it's very easy to prepare. My kids absolutely love the crust, which tastes like a shortbread cookie, and rush to the kitchen to help me push the buttons on the food processor.

Hands-On Time: 1 hour
Ready In: 2 1/2 hours
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients
1 cup almond slivers, lightly toasted in a non-stick skillet until golden
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Tart shell (pre-baked according to directions)
2 firm-ripe Bosc or Anjou pears
1/4 cup apricot preserves, heated and strained

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pulse almonds and ginger with 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor until finely ground, then add flour and pulse to combine.
3. Beat together butter and sugar until pale and light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well, then add extracts. Add nut mixture and mix just until combined.
4. Spread frangipane filling evenly in tart shell. Peel, halve, and core pears, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, holding slices together to keep pear shape intact. Arrange pears decoratively on filling, fanning slices slightly.
5. Bake until pears are golden and frangipane is puffed and golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Brush pears (not filling) with preserves and cool tart completely in pan on rack, then remove side of pan. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, or crème fraiche.