Pear Tart

1. Stage

Prepare the pâte brisée crust: Roll the crust dough out to a 13-inch circle and press it into a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (if you don't have a tart pan, a pie plate is just fine). Fit the dough into the edges and then trim off the excess dough leaning over the top. Put the crust in the freezer to chill for a half hour.

2. Stage

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

3. Stage

Prepare the frangipane: Beat together the almond paste and sugar to break it apart. Beat in the butter. Mix in the egg, flour, salt, and almond extract and beat until light and fluffy. Don't fret if there are a few little chunks of almond paste. Also, don't worry if it seems like you didn't make enough as the frangipane will rise during baking.

4. Stage

Prep the pears: Peel and core the pears, and then slice them thinly, about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Places the slices in a bowl with the lemon juice to help preserve their color.

5. Stage

Assemble the tart: Spread the frangipane over the bottom of the tart shell. Next, carefully arrange the pear slices in a decorative pattern (they can slightly overlap, but don't build them up in layers or the tart will lack a refined appearance).

6. Stage

Bake: Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pears take on a bit of color and the edges of the tart shell are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

7. Stage

Make the apricot glaze: While the tart bakes, place the apricot jam, lemon peel, vanilla extract, and water or Riesling into a small sauce pan and warm over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, constantly stirring. Once the mixture has reduced and thickened take it off the heat and set it aside.

8. Stage

Glaze the tart and serve: Once the tart is out of the oven brush the apricot glaze over the pears. Serve.