Country Pear Tart

Desription
I made this when someone gave us some fresh pears from the tree in their yard... It is verryyy good! I used Amaretto instead of brandy...that is what I had on hand, but if need be you could use unsweetened juice. If you have not tried Saigon Cinnamon from McCormick ... it is really good... I am hooked on it! Take care, Gloria
 * Contributed by Healthy Recipes for Diabetic Friends Y-Group
 * Source: Diabetic Living Diet Online
 * Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 h 20 minutes
 * Servings: 10

Country Pear Tart

 * ⅓ cup dried cherries
 * 3 tbsp brandy
 * 2 tbsp granulated sugar
 * 1 tbsp cornstarch
 * ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
 * 4 cups pears
 * 1 tsp lemon peel
 * 1 tsp vanilla
 * all-purpose flour
 * 1 tbsp almonds, sliced
 * fat-free milk

Browned Butter Pastry

 * 2 tbsp butter
 * 1¼ cups whole-wheat pastry flour
 * ¼ tsp salt
 * 2 tbsp shortening
 * 4 tbsp water
 * 1 tbsp sugar

Country Pear Tart

 * 1) In a small saucepan, combine dried cherries and brandy or apple juice.
 * 2) Heat over low heat just until liquid is hot but not boiling; set aside to cool and plump cherries.
 * 3) In a large bowl, stir together the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, the cornstarch, and cinnamon.
 * 4) Gently stir in pears, cherries and any remaining soaking liquid, lemon peel, and vanilla.
 * 5) Preheat oven to 375°F.
 * 6) Line a large baking sheet with foil; sprinkle lightly with flour.
 * 7) Place browned butter pastry on baking sheet; roll from center to the edges, forming a circle about 13 inches in diameter.
 * 8) Transfer pear mixture to center of crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
 * 9) Fold border up over pear mixture, pleating pastry as necessary to fit.
 * 10) Sprinkle center with sliced almonds.
 * 11) Brush top and sides of crust with milk.
 * 12) If desired, sprinkle lightly with additional granulated or coarse sugar.
 * 13) Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
 * 14) Serve warm or cooled.

Browned Butter Pastry

 * 1) In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until light brown; set aside to cool slightly.
 * 2) In a medium bowl, stir together 1¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
 * 3) Using a pastry blender, cut in 2 tablespoons shortening and the browned butter until mixture resembles crumbs.
 * 4) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold water over part of the mixture; toss gently with a fork.
 * 5) Push moistened dough to side of bowl.
 * 6) Repeat moistening flour mixture, using 1 tablespoon cold water at a time, until all of the flour-shortening mixture is moistened (4 to 5 tablespoons cold water total).
 * 7) Form dough into a ball.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
 * 185 Calories | 6g Total Fat | 2g Saturated Fat | 6mg Cholesterol | 77mg Sodium | 29g Carbs | 4g Dietary Fiber | 2g Protein
 * Exchanges: Fruit: 1 | Other Carb: 1 | Fat: 1
 * Carb Choices: 2