Gilded Pear and Almond Tartlets

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet. Using a round cutter (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out 6 circles. Place these circles onto the prepared baking tray.

   ~5 min
3. 3

   Peel, core, and thinly slice the pears. Toss the pear slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.

   ~3 min
5. 5

   Stir in the almond flour until just incorporated. The frangipane mixture will be thick.

   ~2 min
6. 6

   Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the almond frangipane mixture onto the center of each puff pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

   ~3 min
7. 7

   Arrange the sliced pears decoratively over the frangipane mixture on each tartlet.

   ~4 min
8. 8

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the frangipane is set and lightly golden.

   ~25 min
9. 9

   Let the tartlets cool slightly on the baking tray. Dust with powdered sugar. If using, carefully apply small pieces of edible gold leaf onto the tartlets while still warm.

   ~2 min