Trader Joes Apricot Almond tart

[Cat59]

Hello, I am desperate to come up with a recipe that is similar to Trader Joes Apricot Almond Tart. I can't always find it and would love to make my own. There is no pastry cream in it, and I think the crust is a shortbread crust. Any ideas? I tried using dried apricots, rehydrating, pureed with the liquid and was not even close. I am a fairly good cook, but this has me stumped. Thanks!

[HillJ]

I am not familiar with TJ's version but do they use apricot jam that's more of a jelly consistency with apricots bits? Almond flavoring (extract) or slivered almonds or both? Shortbread crust is the easy part to replicate.

[Cat59]

Yeah, I have the crust covered, and I do believe the filling is more like a jam but just not sure if there is any thing else to it. Its just crust, apricot filling (jam) and flaked almonds on top, but its the filling that is driving me nuts. Can't quite get it right.

[HillJ]

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...
How about something like this?

[Cat59]

Thanks, I will try that. I travel for a living, so will have a few days at home to experiment.

[HillJ]

Report back, pls. I'll be curious to know if the Epi recipe is close to what you're searching for.

[Caitlin McGrath]

I've never had the TJ's tart, but I recently made that recipe for apricot-orange shortbread bars you linked to, and they are seriously good. Highly recommended, especially made w/very high quality preserves that aren't overly sweet (I used the Frog Hollow Farm apricot conserve produced here in Northern CA, which I can happily eat w/a spoon).

[HillJ]

Good to know. I'm still working thru a 5 lb bag of dried apricots from the Apricot King. I prefer a thick, apricot puree over a jam/jelly do you think this tart/bar would work with my own less refined fruit?

[Caitlin McGrath]

I'm quite sure pureed, rehydrated dried apricots would work well in this. What I love about the Frog Hollow Farm product is that it really tastes like the fruit, rather than like jam/jelly, and I imagine pureed dried fruit would give a similar effect.

[HillJ]

That's exactly what I was wondering. I've not tasted Frog Hollow Farm jams so I wasn't sure if it was more of a puree or more in keeping with what Cat59 was describing (jelly with apricot bits).

[Cat59]

Thanks, I will look for some local made apricot jams/preserves at local farmers mkts here at home and during my travels. Love to bring back with me homemade and local goodies from where ever I have gone.