Prune tart with Pernod

I have seen chefs make prune tarts and desserts on TV and they always seem to absolutely adore them –so I collected a few recipes and this is by far the most amazing one.

The beautiful, fragrant anise aroma that escapes when pouring the Pernod over the hot tart at the end is magical.

I first cooked this tart as a dessert for a dinner party – he is French and she is Columbian - as I knew they would appreciate the flavours. Any leftovers were eaten for breakfast.

Pictured: Prune tart with Pernod

½ tsp ground nutmeg- fresh is best

100g ground almonds

300g prunes, pitted

3 eggs, lightly beaten

110g caster sugar

150ml pouring single cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

40ml Pernod

Shortcrust pastry – I used and adore the Carême brand which is worth it here for a special dessert – you can substitute with any frozen pastry you prefer however. Or make this pastry if you have the time – 

Pastry -

225g plain flour

125g unsalted butter, chopped

2 tbsp icing sugar

1 tbsp ground almonds

1 egg yolk

To serve- 

Whipped cream

Pastry – either defrost your bought pastry or use your food processor and process the flour, butter, icing sugar and almonds until the mix resembles bread crumbs. Add the yolk and 2 tbsp cold water and process until the mix forms into a ball. Form it into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap to refrigerate for 30 minutes.

After the 30 minutes, or once defrosted – roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to 3mm thick and line a rectangular tin 35cm x 12cm or a 23cm flan tin- both need a removable base. Cover again and refrigerate for another 20 – 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 190°C

Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with dried beans or rice to blind bake for 10 minutes. Remove beans/ rice and paper and bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool.

Combine nutmeg with 2 tbsp ground almonds, sprinkle over the pastry base, then top with prunes.

Combine eggs, remaining almonds, sugar, cream and vanilla- beat until well combined.

Pour mixture over the prunes an bake at the 190°C for 25 minutes or until the tart is set.

While it is hot, pour the Pernod over the whole tart. The aroma is incredible when you do this!

Let cool to room temperature.

Serve slices with whipped cream.

Serves 6 - 8