Lemon-Almond Tarts

Prep time : ... 30 minutes ... Total time 2 hours ... Makes 6 servings

VANILLA WAPER CRUSTS:

75 ...................vanilla wapers

1/4 ................. cup powder sugar

1/2 .................cup butter melted

Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor 8 to 10 times or until finely crushed . Stir together crushed wafers , powdered sugar and butter in a medium bowl . Press crumb mixture on bottom and up sides of 6 lightly greased 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms . place on a baking sheet.

2) Bake at 350*F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned . transfer to a wire rack . Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).

LEMON - ALMOND FILLING :

1 ......................(7 ounce) package almond paste

2 .....................large eggs

1/4 ..................cup granulated sugar

2 .....................tablespoons melted butter

2/3 ..................cup lemon curd

2 .....................(6 ounce) packages fresh raspberries

Garnish : fresh mint leaves

1) Prepare filling , reduce oven temperature to 325*F . Beat almond paste and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended . Pour mixture into crusts .

2) Bake at 325*F for 18 to 20 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown around the edges . Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes . Spread 1 -1/2 tablespoons lemon curd onto each tart . Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours . Remove tarts from pans and top with raspberries just before serving , garnish if desired /

TIP : You can find the almond paste in the baking aisle ... either in a tub-shaped plastic wrapper ( which are called for in this recipe ) or a can . If you find it only in a can ... only use 3/4 cup .

Heart healthy .