Blackberry Frangipane

Blackberry Frangipane

If there was ever a dessert where pictures didn't do it justice. I had honestly never heard of a frangipane when my sister mentioned it one day. I even had to google what it was. According to google it is almond paste. Its a hard taste to describe. One word to sum it all up would be amazing. If you have never had/tried/tasted a frangipane before I suggest you go buy some almond paste and make one.

You don't even have to like blackberries. You can substitute any other berry or fruit in this recipe including plums and apples. I arranged the berries in a circle, but you could be cute and use them to write something. 

You bake it until it is golden brown. The middle will be gooey but set. I think it tasted amazing warm. As one The almond paste adds to the overall flavor. If you don't want to buy almond paste, you can buy almonds boil them until the skins fall off and then grind them in a food processor. I didn't have the energy for that. 

The soft interior is held together by a home made pie crust. Normally you bake this in a tart pan, however I went with a pie pan, simply because I do not have a tart pan with a removable bottom. The only think it affects is the overall shape. 

         

The filling with be thick. After pouring it into the baked pie crust you simply press your desired fruit into the filling. The above pictures are what it looks like unbaked and below is after just a quick trip to the oven. 

                           

If you have never had one before, it is a necessity that you try one. As in either bake one tonight or go to your nearest bakery right away. 

Ingredients:

Pie crust:

1 C unsalted butter (softened)

1/2 C sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 C four

1/4 tsp salt

For the filling:

1 tube or can (7-8 ounces) almond paste (crumbled)

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 C sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 C flour 

1 1/4 C frozen blackberries ( or you can substitute any other fruit, fresh or frozen) 

Directions:

1. Make the pie crust. Beat together the butter and sugar until blended, then beat on high until light and creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla. With a wooden spoon, stir in flour and salt.  With hands, knead the dough a few times in a bowl. Then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

2. Preheat oven to 425. Take the dough out of the fridge. Line a pie pan with aluminum foil. Or you can use a tart pan with a removable bottom. Whatever is easier. Use the dough to then line the pan. Place back in the fridge until firm (about 10minutes)

3. Take the pie crust out and bake it for 10-15 minutes. If it begins to puff up, pop the air bubbles. 

4. Make the filling. Mix together the almond paste, butter, sugar, and salt until mixture is well blended. Add in the eggs and the vanilla. Stir in the flour. 

5. Pour the almond paste mixture into the baked pie crust. Arrange the blackberries in a circular pattern. Bake until golden (about 45-50 minutes)