French Apricot Tart

Serves 6-8

Description/Notes:

Impressive accompaniment to your afternoon tea tray; buy some frozen pastry if you're in a hurry.

Ingredients:

6 oz. (175g) rich shortcrust pastry

1 tbsp. (15 ml.) castor sugar

3 tbsps. custard powder

10 fl. oz. (300 ml.) milk

1 x 2lb. (900g) can apricot halves, drained

2 oz. (50g) apricot jam, warmed

2 oz. (30 ml.) flaked almonds to decorate

Cooking Instructions:

Pre-heat the oven to 375F, Gas Mark 5, 190C
Line an 8 inch (20 cm.) flan tin with pastry dough and prick with a fork
Bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown
mix the custard powder and a little milk to form a paste
Bring the remaining milk to the boil and pour over the custard mixture, stirring constantly
Return to the pan and cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes or until thick
Allow to cool then spoon the custard into the pastry case
Arrange the apricot halves in concentric circles on the custard
Brush with warmed jam and sprinkle with the flaked almonds