Strawberry Almond Cream Tart

By MLou10

Ingredients

• Crust:
• Instead of making individual tartlettes, you can make one big tart, just use a 9-inch removable bottom tart pan
• 36 honey graham crackers (about 9 sheets)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 teaspoons water
• Cooking spray
• Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (use a rasp grater)
• Topping:
• 6 cups small fresh strawberries, divided
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Preparation

Step 1

Six 4-inch round removable-bottom tart pan or one 9-inch pan

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare crust, place crackers in a food processor; process until crumbly. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, and water; pulse just until moist. Place mixture in 6 mini round removable-bottom tart pan coated with cooking spray, pressing into bottom and up sides of pan to 3/4 inch. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare filling, combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and extracts in a medium bowl; stir until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of tart shell.

To prepare topping, place 2 cups strawberries in food processor; process until pureed. Combine strawberry puree,1/3 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; cook 1 minute. Remove glaze from heat, and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Combine 4 cups strawberries and juice; toss to coat. Arrange berries, bottoms up, in a circular pattern over filling. Spoon half of glaze evenly over berries (reserve remaining glaze for another use). Sprinkle nuts around edge of each tart. Cover and chill 3 hours.