Bake: Nectarine Tart with Orange Syrup

Following on from today's earlier post, where I showed you what I've been cooking lately, here is the recipe for a beautiful tart - a nice, sweet, light dessert.

Nectarine Tart with Orange Syrup

2.5 nectarines, halved and stones removed (I used plums!)
1/4 cup caster sugar
90g butter, softened
1/2 cup caster sugar, extra
2 eggs
1 cup almond meal
1/4 cup plain flour
2 teaspoons lemon rind, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
orange syrup
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup orange-flavoured liqueur
1/2 cup caster sugar

To make the orange syrup, place the orange juice, liqueur and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Set aside and allow to cool.

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the nectarine halves with the sugar and cook, cut-side down, for 2-3 minutes or until the sugar is melted and golden. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the butter and sugar in a food processor (or mixer) and process until just combined. Add the eggs, almond meal, flour, lemon rind and baking powder, and process until just combined.

Spoon the almond mixture into a lightly greased 12cm x 35cm rectangular loose bottom tart tin. Press the nectarines into the mixture and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

Allow to cool and serve with the orange syrup.

Enjoy!