Last one, everyone. Last Thanksgiving dessert. We’ve had a good run!
Over the past several weeks, I’ve given you quite a few Thanksgiving pie options. But I couldn’t resist adding just one more!
As a baking blogger, the holidays provide inspiration and ideas. I love having the time of year do the recipe brainstorming for me, especially when a tart like this is the result. Guys, I kept my very favorite for last. Yes, I’ll play favorites today.
This past weekend, Kenny and I got away overnight to a posh hotel in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. We’re lucky to live near all kinds of little getaway spots, and even though it was chilly, it was really lovely to walk on the waterfront and see the boats and pretend it was a lot warmer.
The best part of the hotel was the pool. It was a heated indoor pool, and getting in was like being enveloped in a warm water hug. Maybe I’ve never told you this before, but I love baths. Baths are a daily thing for me, even if I’ve showered too. I love the bubbles, the scalding water, the jets (yep, my tub is tricked out), and the music playing softly in the background as I let all the stress melt out of my tired muscles.
Other than dessert, I have these other material loves in life: a good book, a great workout, and a hot bath. So as I chugged back and forth in that heated pool, I realized that my life would be pretty luxurious if I could come home from work every day, jump into a heated pool, swim for a while, and then dry off in a lounge chair with a book and some truffles.
I just heard Steven Tyler in my head shrieking “Dream On.”
If the pool fantasy can’t come true, I’ll take this tart instead. It’s all my favorite things. Maybe not everyone’s on the marzipan bandwagon, but I really don’t care. This is the best.
The crust is buttery and light, with some almond meal thrown in for kicks. Piled into the crust is raspberry jam, a baked marzipan layer, and thick chocolate ganache with toasted almond flair. If you want an elegant but totally doable dessert to present tomorrow, this is your girl.
Okay, kids. I’ve got more baking to do tonight, so I’ll catch you later. I’m pretty excited to get all those pies lined up on the table, and I hope you are, too. Have a safe, joyful, warm and cozy Thanksgiving with family and friends. From JAB and me to you, happy holiday season!
Chocolate Raspberry Marzipan Tart
Ingredients
Crust
1 cup almond meal
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1 package (8 oz.) almond paste
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
Ganache
1 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
toasted almonds (toast in the oven at 350 for a few minutes in a single layer on a baking pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a tart pan (the kind with the removable bottom) with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine the almond meal and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the butter, powdered sugar and egg yolk in the bowl of a stand mixer. Adding each gradually, alternate the flour and the almond mixture until both are fully incorporated.
- Press the dough into the prepared tart pan, working it evenly along the bottom and up the sides.
- Take the raspberry jam and spread it evenly along the bottom of the crust. Set aside.
- Make the marzipan filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the almond paste with the brown sugar and egg until well combined.
- Carefully spread the marzipan mixture over the raspberry jam. It will be sticky and some of the jam might come up, but spread lightly and evenly over the surface.
- Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes until the crust and filling begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven to cool.
- Make the ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream for one minute. Stir until smooth, heating an additional 20 seconds if needed.
- Pour the ganache over the baked tart, spreading the chocolate evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top. Cool until set.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/chocolate-raspberry-marzipan-tart/
How awesome that you live so close to some great getaway places, a heated indoor pool sounds pretty amazing since it’s so cold outside! This tart also sounds amazing, chocolate and raspberry is always a great combination.
Danielle recently posted…White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
It was pretty amazing, Danielle! I want to own a heated pool. It’s a dream!
I live for our weekends away. It’s been too long since the last one. And this tart, wow. I want it ALL right now.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Eggnog Frosted Snickerdoodles
Those weekends away are few and far between, but oh so precious! It’s nice to feel like a person again, and not just a mom!
Mmm you definitely saved the best for last! This tart looks amazing, kind of like the getaway that you had! I’ve always loved marzipan, but I’ve never made it before. I definitely need to change that! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Mir!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake
You too, Gayle! Enjoy all the pie!
Happy Thanksgiving, Mir!!! love that you and the hubs get away for overnights .. that’s GREAT! Dang, Paul and I need to do that more! I love this chocolate-raspberry-marzipan-tart!!! it’s gorgeous!!!!! My material loves in life: a good book or magazine, a great workout, and a mani/pedi 🙂 have a great holiday!!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Corn Soufflés
You and Paul definitely need to do getaways. I look at it as marriage maintenance. And we’re lucky enough to have parents nearby we trust to watch the kids for a little bit. I am with you on your material loves in life, too!
Heated pools are awesome, Mir! The only thing that might be better is marzipan! I may or may not had a whole package worth one time – whoops! So technically I don’t get it anymore to ensure that doesn’t happen! But exceptions can be made when chocolate is also involved 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!
Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Sweet Potato Pound Cake {vegan}
I’ve been there, Megan. A whole package is nothing to be ashamed of!
That sounds like an amazing time away!
I am not sure how anyone is going to choose a Thanksgiving dessert with all the options you have given them. They are just going to have to make all of them 😉
Yes, they will, Dannii! I’m okay with that. They’re all pretty easy to do!
Happy Thanksgiving Mir! The tart looks absolutely delicious!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie
You too, Manali! Hope it was a great day!
Chocolate. Raspberry. MARZIPAN? OH MY WORD YOU ARE AMAZING!
Aria | Purrfectly Inspired recently posted…The First Thanksgiving
Thanks, Aria. It was my favorite pie by far!
Marzipan is the best but I’ve never had a pie with it- genius!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Garlicky Kale Salad with Balsamic Tofu & Broccoli
It worked out great, Medha!
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