Apricot and Almond Tart to Pair with the Botrytis Riesling

For a light and elegant Christmas dessert, this Apricot and Almond Tart is a wonderful choice. The combination of juicy apricots, sweet honey, and a hint of almond on crisp puff pastry makes for a delightful treat. Paired with a glass of Botrytis Riesling, this dessert takes on even more richness, with the wine’s natural sweetness complementing the fruity and nutty notes in the tart. Simple to prepare and beautifully golden, this tart is a perfect way to end a holiday meal.

Recipe: Apricot and Almond Tart

This Apricot and Almond Tart features a flaky puff pastry crust, a sprinkle of almond flour, and juicy apricots, all lightly sweetened with honey. It's an ideal dessert for those who prefer a lighter, fruit-based treat after a rich holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 6 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Almond shavings 

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the almond flour evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Add the Apricots: Arrange the apricot halves on top of the almond flour, cut side up, and evenly spaced.
4. Drizzle with Honey: Lightly drizzle honey over the apricots to add sweetness and enhance their natural flavour.
5. Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the apricots are tender and bubbly.
6. Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing, add almond shavings. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Apricot and Almond Tart

• Use Ripe Apricots: Ripe apricots have a natural sweetness and juiciness that will intensify during baking.
• Experiment with Other Stone Fruits: If apricots aren’t available, try this recipe with peaches, plums, or nectarines.
• Serve Warm: This tart is best enjoyed slightly warm, allowing the flavours to shine.

Serving Suggestions

This Apricot and Almond Tart pairs well with light accompaniments such as:

• A dollop of whipped cream: Adds a touch of richness without overpowering the flavours.
• Vanilla or almond ice cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the warm tart.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness to each slice.

Arrange the tart on a decorative platter, and garnish with a few extra apricots or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing with Botrytis Riesling

This Apricot and Almond Tart is beautifully complemented by Botrytis Riesling. The wine’s natural sweetness enhances the flavours of the apricots and almonds, while its acidity balances the dessert’s richness. The honeyed, fruity notes of Botrytis Riesling create a harmonious pairing that elevates this light dessert to an indulgent treat.

Celebrate the season with this delightful Apricot and Almond Tart. Paired with a glass of Botrytis Riesling, this dessert adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to your Christmas meal, ending it on a festive and unforgettable note.