Ingredients

For the pastry

Make from scratch

• 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 110g butter
• 110g caster sugar
• 3 medium egg yolks, lightly beaten

**Or buy pre-made short crust pastry

For the frangipane

• 125g butter, softened
• 125g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 125g ground almonds
• 1 tbsp plain flour

For the poached pears

• 250g caster sugar, plus extra for topping
• 4 good-sized pears
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 3 cloves
• 1/2 lemon

Method

1. Make the pastry. Add the flour to a clear work surface, and  cut the butter into cubes and dot over the flour.
2. Sprinkle with the caster sugar.
3. Using your fingertips, rub the butter, flour and sugar together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Make a well in the centre, add the egg yolks and, using your fingers, gradually draw in the flour. Knead lightly, until it comes together in a smooth ball.Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Make the frangipane filling. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
6. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the ground almonds and flour. Mix well and chill until needed
7. Make the poached pears. Put the sugar in a saucepan, pour in 500ml water and place over a medium heat.
8. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
9. Peel the pears and add to the pan, along with the cinnamon and cloves. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the pan and add the squeezed lemon and orange zest.
10. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove the pears to a plate with a slotted spoon and discard the liquor and solids. Set aside for 15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.
11. Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pastry to a circle large enough to line the tart tin. Don’t worry if it breaks up, as this is a very short, crumbly pastry <3** patch it together in the tin and mould it up the sides, making sure it is even all over.**
12. Trim off any excess pastry and spread the frangipane evenly on top.
13. Cut the pears in half lengthways and, using a teaspoon, scoop out and discard the core from the centre.
14. Cut each pear half in slices, widthways, then lift onto your knife and push down on the pears slightly to fan them out.
15. Lift into the pastry case and arrange in a circle.
16. Fill in the gaps between each pear half with a few more slices and arrange some in the centre.
17. Bake for 55 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
18. Sprinkle with a little extra caster sugar and bake in the oven for a further 15 minutes to finish off the browning.
19. Cool in the tin slightly, then remove and transfer to a wire rack.
20. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped and sweetened double cream.

Enjoy!

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