DESSERT
Peach Almond Torte
Modern Comfort (p. 187)
Ingredients
- Peaches 3/4 lb
- Grand Marnier 2 tbl
- Unsalted butter 1 stick
- Eggs 2
- Sliced almonds 2 tbl
- Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
- Sugar in the Raw 2 tbl
- Vanilla extract 1/2 tsp
- Almond extract 1/4 tsp
- All-purpose flour 1 cup
- Baking powder 1 tsp
- Confectioners sugar 2 tbl
Prep
- Peaches - unpeeled, cut into wedges — precision is optional right up until it absolutely is not.
- Unsalted butter - bring to room temperature
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch round springform pan. In a small bowl, combine the peaches with the Grand Marnier and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or by hand, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla extract, almond extract and eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Stir with a rubber spatula. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the peaches, cut sides up, in concentric circles on top. Sprinkle with the Sugar in the Raw and almonds, while resisting the deeply human urge to fuss with it nonstop. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, like a cool-headed tyrant of seasoning. Cool slightly, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.