Therapy in baking

It's been a tough week with some unexpected news creeping out from the every corner of my otherwise boring existence. You know, just one of those weeks when a fancy outfit is seriously the very last thing on your mind... Baking, however, is a whole different story! The combination of eggs, flour and sugar has never failed to work wonders for my frazzled nerves...

Cream Cheese Tart with Caramelised Figs:

For the almond crust:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup blanched slivered almond

1/4 tsp salt

9 tblsp unsalted butter

1 large egg yolk

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Sift together the flour,salt and powdered sugar; using a pastry cutter, two knives or fingers, blend the flour mixture and butter together until it all becomes crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and knead a few times, so that the dough forms a smooth ball. Press it over bottom and up sides of a lightly buttered and floured pie pan in an even layer. Chill the prepared shell for at least 30 minutes.

Once chilled sufficiently, prick shell all over with a fork, line with aluminium foil and fill with some pie weights. Bake in a preheated oven for about 25 minutes, then remove weights and bake additional 15 minutes, or until pastry becomes golden.

For the filling:

2 cups cream cheese

2 whole eggs

1 large egg yolk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Place all the ingredients in bowl of your electric mixer and beat on medium speed until smooth. Pour filling into prepared tart shell and bake until slightly puffed along edges and just set in center. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.

For the caramelised figs:

4 tbsp water (or even some red wine!)

4 tbsp granulated sugar with a pinch of ground cinnamon

5-6 fresh figs, cut into wedges or slices

Place the water, sugar and sliced figs into a small pan over a medium heat and cook together for about five minutes, or until the figs are caramelised in the syrup. Arrange them on top of your tart and serve immediately!

P.S. You can use this recipe to prepare one full-size tart or four individual tartlets... Either way, it's super yummy!