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Apricot and Thyme Tart

Apricot and Thyme Tart

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There is something magical about Camont.  I had a feeling when I met Kate over dinner with Pim that I would fall in love with not only her but also Camont.  Pim had a sparkle in her eyes when she talked about Kate’s little haven in Gascony.  Over dinner, Kate talked about making Apricot and Thyme Tarts during the summer at Camont.  I was immediately ready to pack my bag and book flights.Apricot and Thyme Tart

Fast forward two months later, we made it happen!  We had no idea what to expect as we boarded the train to Agen from Paris.  The ride was picturesque, rolling green hills, dotted with vineyards and castles tucked away.  It was what exactly what my French Fairy Tales looked like in my mind.  

Once we arrived in Agen, we grabbed a cab, which we found out later no one does when they come to Camont.  The drive was short but our anticipation was heightened as we turned the corner, saw the rustic sign Camont and recognized the farmhouse from Kate’s site.

The welcome was warm and familiar, like long lost friends or family that we had not seen in a long time.  Bacon, Kate’s fearless companion gave us a sniff and a bark.  Kate’s sister, Stephanie was visiting and greeted us with open arms and warm hugs.  As well there was Betsy who is an old friend of Kate’s from Boulder and Erika and Chris, who are there in Camont until November.  The only person missing was Kate.  And our friend, Dominique.  This is when we found out, no one ever takes a cab to Camont and that they were waiting for us in Agen. 

We spent a glorious week bonding with Kate, et al.  As well as many other’s who were in and out during our time in Camont.  One of the many things we loved was the laughter that was enjoyed every day, and especially over the shared love of food.  Everyone came together as one and enjoyed each other’s company.  It was nice.  It was comforting.  Most of all, it was loving.

Apricot and Thyme Tart

Apricot and Thyme Tart

One rainy day, Kate came home from the market, with a crate of fresh apricots.  The first summer apricots.  I have fond memories of apricots being enjoyed ripely plucked from my grandmother’s tree.  This was the next best thing, perfectly picked and ready to be devoured.

That same rainy afternoon, as the clouds were slightly parting and the sun was just peeking through, Ericka and I decided to bake apricot tarts to practice our food photography and to serve for that evening’s dessert.  Erika worked her magic on the pastry crust, which was outstanding and I took over with the apricots.  

I wanted to keep the tart simple by using what we had right there before us.  I seasoned the apricots with a little sugar, fresh lemon juice and thyme from the herb garden which was outside the kitchen door.   We had enough dough to make one large tart and two small ones.  The larger one had a thin layer of frangipani under the apricots.  The second tart had a layer of fresh creamy goat cheese under the apricots and was finished with a generous drizzle of honey over the top.  The third tart had a layer of creamy goodness made out of a deep dark brown sugar that was mixed with the leftover goat cheese and frangipani, covered with apricots and more honey.  Each tart was baked until golden brown and then finished with a sprinkling of fresh thyme.  Easy.  Delicious.  Very Gascony!

Gascony Photos

More Summer Desserts

 

Yield: 1 9 inch tart

Apricot and Thyme Tart

Apricot and Thyme Tart

I learned to make this lightly thyme scented apricot tart years ago in Gascony France, and it is still my go-to summer tart.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • your favorite pastry dough
  • enough fresh apricots to cover the bottom of your tart pan
  • a handful of fresh thyme
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg

Instructions

    Heat oven to 400.

    Generously butter the tart pan.

    Line with the pastry dough.

    Wash and pat dry the apricots, then cut in half.

    Wash the thyme and pat dry.  Pull the tender leaves off of any hard stems.

    Combine the apricots, thyme, 1 tablespoon of sugar and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.  Gently toss with your hands and then let sit.

    Combine almond flour, butter, and sugar. Using your fingers mix well until crumbly.

    Add the egg and stir well until combined to form a paste.

    Fill the tart shell with the almond paste.

    Cover with the apricot halves.

    Sprinkle with a small amount of sugar.

    Bake for 30 minutes or until golden.

    Let cool for 10 minutes.

    Serve.

    Eat.

Did you make this recipe?

Thank you for joining us at the Chez Us table. We truly love having you here.Have you made this recipe?  Please share what recipes you are enjoying from Chez Us. We would love to see and be able to share with our followers. Use the hashtag #chezuseats on your social media channels, then we can pull a chair up to your virtual table and share with our friends.

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Aqiyl Aniys

Sunday 16th of March 2014

The apricot and thyme tart looks fabulous. I am glad you had a good time in Camont.

Fiona

Thursday 15th of August 2013

What a wonderful tart. We have recently returned from a week with Kate and what a glorious week it was. I would love to get the recipe, but the link doesn't work. Any chance of re-posting the link, Denise? Thanks for the beautiful photos too.

admin

Thursday 15th of August 2013

Hello Fiona, Isn't Kate one of the most special women you have met? And Argen is wonderful; miss it so much. Thank you for letting me know that the link was not working - I have reposted this easy and delicious recipe for you. Enjoy!

susan

Tuesday 27th of July 2010

i've never been a big fan of apricots but having it super fresh and ripe last weekend with salami, feels like i've turned a new leaf. the apricot tarts look amazing! love the pairing with thyme.

Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite

Saturday 24th of July 2010

What a truly gorgeous tart and a wonderful experience in Gascony. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Shaheen {The Purple Foodie}

Saturday 17th of July 2010

You guys seem to have had a fab time! The place looks lovely. And the tarts, even more delicious.

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