Bakewell Pudding

Description
A buttery mixture, flavoured with ground almonds and baked in a light flaky pastry case, is the basis of this traditional Derbyshire recipe, sometimes known as Bakewell tart, the origin of which is still secret.



Ingredients

 * Puff pastry - 225 g (8 oz),
 * Red jam - 4 tbsp,
 * Ground almonds - 110 g (4 oz),
 * Caster sugar - 110 g (4 oz),
 * Butter - 50 g (2 oz), softened,
 * Eggs - 3, beaten,
 * Almond essence - * tsp.

Directions
1. Pre-heat oven to 200C / 400F / Gas 6.

2. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and use to line a 900 ml (1* pint) shallow pie dish. Knock up the edge of the pastry with the back of a knife.

3. Mark the rim with the prongs of a fork. Brush the jam over the base. Chill in the refrigerator while making the filling.

4. Beat the almonds with the sugar, butter, eggs and almond essence.

5. Pour the filling over the jam and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Serve warm or cold with fresh cream or custard.