Turkish Delight, Date and Almond Tart

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, C S Lewis 

Yesterday was a bitter, cold, wet day in Melbourne.  The sun only feebly made an appearance a couple of times, and even when it did, the warmth was minimal.  It was however a good day for baking - an activity which allows you to stay inside, be busy, and warm up the house.

 I have been coveting a Turkish Delight, Date and Pistachio Tart that I saw in The Age a couple of weeks ago.  You can find the recipe here.  I finally got around to making it yesteday, and I have to admit, I am in love with this tart.  It comprises a shortcrust shell filled with date frangipane and topped with Turkish Delight and nuts.  I substituted chopped almonds for the pistachios because that is what I had in the house, and couldn't justify buying any more nuts.  Isn't the colouring of this tart beautiful: 

It looks like an exotic gemstone, and to me, tastes like heaven.  I adored this tart and would make it again in a heartbeat. I am a Turkish Delight  and Mad Men fan, just like the author of this recipe, although the sound of her Turkish Delight sandwich makes me queasy. All I can say is skip the "sandwich" and make the tart - I think you'll love it.

Hope you all had a good weekend!