Rustic Pear Tart

Our good friends, Peg and Harve, had an abundance of pears on their tree this year, so I took a few off of their hands and this is what I made.  I have to say, those pears were so sweet and juicy!  And this tart is so easy to make, you will have a dessert ready to eat in 35 minutes.  (Although you will need to cool it a little before eating it.)  Absolutely delicious!!

• Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
• 3/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups sliced, peeled, fresh pears
• 1 to 3 tablespoons sliced almonds

On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry into a 10-in. circle.  Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar and flour; add pears and toss to coat.  Spoon over the pastry to within 2 inches of edges.  Fold up edges of pastry over filling, leaving center uncovered.  Sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.  Sprinkle with almonds; bake 5 minutes longer.  Using the parchment paper, slide tart onto a wire rack to cool.

Serves 6 – 8.

“A friend’s presence in the midst of suffering provides great comfort.”