Apple, Pear and Almond Crostata

Crostata is yet another food that has many, many versions. The traditional "home" made crostata is simply pie dough topped with jam and sometimes a lattice of dough. Other versions, like this one, are made with whole fruit like apples or berries. Some use almond paste as a base under the fruit. I made this last evening to go with on of our favorite dinners of pasta with marinara and meatballs and my own cheese bread. Delicious!

Apple, Pear and Almond Crostata
Printable Recipe

Dough:
1 cup flour
1 T sugar
1/4 t salt
1 stick butter - diced
2 - 3 T ice water

Stir flour, sugar and salt together well. Add butter and rub together until crumbly. Add water 1 T at a time until dough forms a firm ball. Flatten and chill between waxed paper while prepping fruit.

Filling ingredients

Filling:

2 medium apples
2 medium pears
1/2 c sliced almonds
1/4 c sugar
1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 t ground cinnamon

Peel and seed fruits-cut into small dice. Toss with sugar and spices.

Roll out dough between waxed paper to roughly a 12 - 14" round. Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Top the center of the dough with fruit and sugar and toss almonds over the top, leaving a one and a half inch edge. Fold edge over, making a rustic looking tart.


Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and fruit is tender. Top with confectioner's sugar or chocolate sauce.

The delicious finished product!