#3 Nanna’s Old-Timey Almond and Date Mascarpone Tart

Oh my goodness these tarts are cute! They remind me of warm summer rains and sunny spring days, at my grandmother’s house in the hills. That’s because they were an old favourite of hers. Simple and effective, and ever so delicious, these tarts will hit that sweet spot without being too much. Enjoy!

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 sheets of filo pastry

40g unsalted butter, melted

Quarter cup ground almonds

225g fresh dates pitted and sliced

2 eggs free range

2 teaspoons custard powder

125 g mascarpone cheese

1/4 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup cream

2 tablespoons of flaked almonds to decorate with.

How to make and date mascarpone tart

Preheat oven to moderate 180 degrees C 350 degrees F

Brush a shallow 10 by 35 cm fluted rectangular with oil or melted butter.

Brush a sheet of filo pastry sparingly with melted butter, and sprinkle with ground almonds. Fold pastry sheet in half lengthways. Line a flan tin lengthwise with pastry. Repeat process with remaining pastry, butter and nuts.

Spread dates evenly over the pastry base. Place eggs, custard powder, cheese, sugar and cream into a medium mixing bowl; whisk until smooth. Pour mixture over dates. Sprinkle with flaked almonds. Bake for 25 minutes or until custard is set and golden. Leave for 10 minutes before slicing serve warm with whipped cream.