How many times have you seen a Celebrity Chef make something on TV that he/she invariably describes as 'the best ever', then actually attempt to make it yourself? Hardly ever, I'll bet.
We recently watched this being made on TV by English chef James Martin, and, frankly, Lady M just HAD to have a go (especially as it was Christmas, and there was nothing in the house to eat.....ahem).
It's a Prune and Frangipane Tart. It has a thin layer of Armagnac flavoured Prune 'jam' on the bottom, then a thick layer of Frangipane, then a few halved Prunes dotted about on top. The pastry base is just an ordinary blind-baked shortcrust pastry (No soggy bottom). The whole was then baked for about 20 mins.
James Martin was so bloody enthusiastic about his tart, and with good reason; this really is delicious!
I just know that this is going to become a regular in the Magnon household.
p.s. It's Lady M's birthday today (38ish). Happy birthday m' dear!
Happy Birthday Lady Magnon! Make Cro treat you extra special today! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and that tart looks delicious! Nice work, Lady M!
DeleteHe always does, Jennifer, his life would be hell otherwise!
DeleteHappy birthday Lady Magnon. I hope you got breakfast in bed! Great tart. Compliments of the season to you, Cro and Lady M. Greetings, Jo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo.
DeleteI love frangipane. Could you send a slice over to Devon for testing?! x
ReplyDeleteAll gone; finished it last night.
DeleteFrom one Capricorn to another - Happy Birthday Lady M. Hope you have a lovely day, and Cro leaves you a piece of your delicious tart to enjoy !
ReplyDeleteSee above. She is having special treats tonight, but no more Frangipane Tart.
DeleteOh my, I love frangipane. Yum and yum. That tart looks like a winner. And happy birthday, Lady M.
ReplyDeleteWe're into Fangipane season here. Galettes are traditionally sold for epiphany, which are filled with it. As you say; YUM.
DeleteHappy birthday Lady M. I enjoyed watching those James Martin Christmas programmes but he uses so much butter in all his recipes. Wicked.
ReplyDeleteButter is good for you this week; next week maybe not, we'll see!
DeleteHappy Birthday Lady M…have a lovely day being spoilt !
ReplyDeleteShe's just opened all her prezzies. It seems as if I did OK.
DeleteHappy Birthday to Lady M. And I am going to have to track that recipe down as I love prunes and frangipane in equal measure. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's good; I can recommend it.
DeleteI found it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/prune_and_armagnac_tart_36307
DeleteHe's a bit of all right that James Martin.
That's the recipe (and video). We live quite near to Agen, and their Prunes are certainly very good.
DeleteHappy Birthday Lady M. I really fancy that frangipane tart.
ReplyDeleteHave a go Weave... Mrs C (above) gives the link.
DeleteA very happy birthday to Lady M.
ReplyDelete38 eh? I wish. In fact I wish my hips were 38 again.....
I think she exaggerates a tad!
DeleteHappy Birthday Lady M....and well done on that tart..looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteIt was. I'll pass on your greetings.
DeleteGlad to hear you and Lady M are getting your prunes.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Lady M, and have an enjoyable day with Cro and Bok and Freddie.
No shortage of Prunes here, in fact we've just been given a huge pack made in a neighbouring village that are supposed to be the very best. We haven't tried them yet.
DeleteYum ! Love frangipane. I regularly bake a frangipane cake. It is so simple and the flavour is festive and exotic. The cake has a lovely moist and rather dense texture. Salivating now.
ReplyDeleteMust say, Armagnac and prunes are a few steps up in festiveness.
In my opinion it's the best use for Almonds. Then add the Prunes and Armagnac and you have a perfect dish.
DeleteMany happy returns of the day Lady M ..... please wish her a lovely day full of the likes of Frangipane tarts !!
ReplyDeleteOur friend's have a house in Lectoure which isn't far from Agen..... have you been there Cro ? We had a wonderful meal in the Hotel de Bastard { great name !! } and an even better one in a Chateau nearby. XXXX
I don't know the area around Agen too well, it's about an hour south of us. That hotel sounds wonderful.
DeleteHappy Birthday Lady M...the tart looks lovely... and so says Cro ;)
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland, NZ
I'll pass on your good wishes. Thanks.
DeleteHappy Birthday to Lady M and congrats on yet another wonderful pie.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%.
DeleteI too just had a birthday and said I was somewhere north of 30. Everyone asked how far north of 30. Happy day to the Lady.
ReplyDeleteI would never dare ask.
DeleteHappy birthday to lady M.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yael. I've made sure she's seen all your good wishes, and she says a big 'Thank You' to everyone.
Delete