Apricot and Frangipane Tart

Method

1
Lightly butter a 25cm loose-bottomed tart tin.
2
Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin (3mm). Use the pastry to line the tin, gently pressing it into the sides and leaving about 1cm overhanging the top edge.
3
Use a fork to prick the base, then line with greaseproof paper and fill with ceramic baking beans or uncooked rice. Chill for 20 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6.
5
When the tart case has chilled, blind bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans, then return the pastry to the oven for 5 minutes to cook the base.
6
When cooked, use a sharp knife to trim the excess pastry level with the top of the tin and set aside to cool.
7
Reduce the oven setting to 150°C/Gas 2.
8
To make the frangipane, cream the butter, sugar, flour and almonds together, then slowly add the egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Allow the frangipane to rest for 5 minutes before smoothing it inside the pastry case.
9
Cut each apricot half into 3 or 4 wedges and arrange them on top of the frangipane, skin side up. Push the apricots gently into the mixture, then bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until golden.
10
Heat the apricot jam gently in a small pan for about 2 minutes until warmed. Remove the tart from the oven and brush with the melted jam while still warm.
11
Leave the tart to cool slightly before removing from the tin and serving in slices.