Pear and Almond Crostata

Recipe courtesy Brian Boitano 2009

Show: What Would Brian Boitano Make?Episode: Handyman Special

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (26)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(26)

Cook Time:
20 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
8 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 20 min
Total:: 40 min

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Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
2 eggs, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (7-ounce) packages almond paste
2 Bartlett pears
1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
2 tablespoons raw sugar
1 pint cherry vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
8 fresh mint sprigs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, flour, 1 egg and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer until well blended and smooth. Set aside.

Divide each package of almond paste into 4 equal portions. On a floured work surface roll each portion into a 6-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Put 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each round. Spread the filling out in an even layer, about 1/2-inch from the edge of the round.

Quarter each pear and remove the core. Cut each quarter into 5 slices. Fan out 5 of the pear slices on top of the filling in the center of 1 of the rounds. Gently fold the edge of the almond paste round over the edge of the filling. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets and repeat with the remaining almond rounds, filling and pears.

Whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until well blended. Using a pastry brush lightly brush each crostata with the egg wash and sprinkle each with the raw sugar.

Put the baking sheets into the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Serve each crostata on individual plates with a small scoop of ice cream and garnished with sliced almonds and mint.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
David Melrose Park, IL 02-04-2010
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Delicious Crostatas!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made these after seeing Brian's show. People at work thought I bought them at a bakery. They were fairly simple to make... and SO delicious! I'm making them again today because one of my friends who tasted them before requested them for dessert at her party =) Highly recommendable!Read more
recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
Thomas Seattle, WA 01-18-2010
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Big Wow
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great combo of flavors, to a picky group. All of us girls in Seattle, love Brian. Good recipes and easy to... follow. Thanks, BrianRead more
recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
Denise Westampton, NJ 11-01-2009
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delish
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this last night. Everyone loved it. I followed the easy recipe but used whipped cream cheese as this is all I had. It... was creamy (like a yogurt consisency). I look forward to seeing more recipes from Brian Bolitano. He is a riot. I love his show!Read more
recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
Sid Elkhart, IN 10-22-2009
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foodie friends loved it
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Had a luncheon for golfing group and this was one of the deserts that I served with Cherry Garcia Ice Cream and toasted... almonds on top. Could not believe the raves from all, even people who said they don't like fruity deserts. Easy to roll out the almond paste if you get good paste. Had to make 12 so I had to purchase 3 cans. One was not the same brand as the other two and was a bit surgarie around the edges. Still worked but was harder to cut and roll. Will make this one again.Read more
recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
Claudia Miami, FL 10-13-2009
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Question?
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Ok, I haven't cooked this recipe yet, but I'm wondering, has Brian Boitano's show been canceled? I haven't seen it since... this last recipe. That would suck, being that in my opinion is one of the best shows Food Network has. Could someone be kind enough to give me some info, maybe anyone out there knows more than I. Miami, FLRead more
recipe Pear and Almond Crostata
Jessica Glendora, CA 10-12-2009
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Great Easy Recipe
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I am not usually the baker or the sweets eater. I'm much more of a savory fan, but once I saw the recipe was using almond... paste, I had to try it. I'm an almond anything fiend and anything involving marzipan gets an immediate gold star in my book. the almond paste is a bit pricey, but was definitely worth it. It was a hit with everyone, and everyone at the party has vowed to make it as well. Looking forward to more great recipes!!Read more