Pear and almond tart is a classic dessert. Almond paste is easily located in supermarkets and poaching pears is a quick and easy way to several desserts, accompaniments and a breakfast or two.  Recently, I bought 200 grams of matcha tea almond paste and mulled over ways to use it…

Poached pears, matcha almond paste and good quality cocoa powder make for a sinful dinner party dessert.  Matcha tea is a Japanese delicacy and has been a darling of western baking scenes for years.  It has a subtle taste and while not overbearing definitely adds something to the tart and goes amazingly with the dark chocolate flavour of the cocoa powder.

Ingredients

One tart base – pre-baked

Filling

200 gr matcha tea almond paste (or regular almond paste)

3 tablespoons rich dark natural cocoa powder (good quality makes  a huge difference)

1 tablespoon flaked almonds

4 poached pears

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon flour

1 egg

1 egg white

Making

Beat the almond paste with the sugar, syrup, flour and cocoa powder. The add the butter and egg and egg white forming a smooth paste.

Spread the paste onto your tart base and then place a layer of pears fanning them out evenly.

Sprinkle with almonds and bake for 40 – 45 minutes at 180°C