No Pastry Pear Tarts

I came across this recipe in Easy Living. I think these tarts look quite sophisticated but were so quick and easy to make. I like the fact they don't have pastry as it makes them lighter than some tarts.

The Recipe

180g unsalted butter

50g plain flour

180g icing sugar

100g ground almonds

2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

5 egg whites

2 small ripe pears, peeled, cored and sliced

1. Preheat oven to 200c. Lightly grease 6 tart tins (7cm) with removable bottoms.

2. Melt butter in small saucepan and gently cook for 1-2 mins until it has turned golden.

3. Sift icing sugar and flour into a mixing bowl. Stir in ground almonds and lemon zest.

4. Lightly beat the egg whites with a fork until just foamy and pour into bowl with dry ingredients. Add warm butter and mix with a wooden spoon until smooth.

5. Pour mixture into tart tins, filling each to 3/4 full and top with pieces of pear. Bake for 5 mins then reduce heat to 180c and cook for a further 10-15 mins until golden and risen.

6. Allow to cool in tins for 5 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar to serve.