Nectarine, mascarpone and gingersnap tart

By MooK

Ingredients

• Crust
• 37 gingersnap cookies, coarsely broken (about 9 ounces; about 3 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of pieces)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Filling
• 1 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese
• 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
• Topping
• 4 to 5 small nectarines, halved, pitted, cut into thin slices
• 1/4 cup peach jam, warmed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

For crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Finely grind gingersnaps in processor. Add butter and blend until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press mixture over bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. (I like to use a cold metal measuring cup to get a nice, clear demarcation between the base and sides.) Bake crust until color darkens, pressing sides with back of spoon if beginning to slide, about 8 minutes. Cool completely.

For filling: Beat first 6 ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in crystallized ginger if you’re using it. Spread filling in prepared crust. Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

For topping: Overlap nectarine slices atop filling in concentric circles. Brush with jam. Sprinkle with chopped crystallized ginger if you’re using it. (Mint makes an excellent garnish, if you’re skipping the ginger.) Serve, or refrigerate up to 6 hours.