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1
Prepare the Shortbread Tart Crust.
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2
Blanch the peaches by bringing a pot of water to a boil (make sure the pot is large enough to fit 2 peaches at a time).
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3
Place 2 peaches in the boiling water.
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4
Let boil for 40 seconds.
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5
Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and plunge into a bowl of ice water, then remove to drain.
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6
Repeat with the remaining peaches.
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7
Peel using a sharp paring knife or just use your fingers.
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8
The peach skin should slip off easily.
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9
Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and slice into 8- to 10 1/2-inch-thick slices.
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10
Pat the slices dry.
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11
To use frozen peaches, select 40 to 45 pretty slices, and defrost in a single layer on paper towels for at least 1 hour, or until completely defrosted.
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12
Pat dry.
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13
Whole Foods 365 Organic Frozen Peaches has scored highest in the taste tests Ive seen, but Im still searching for a better frozen peach.
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14
Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer to make a simple syrup.
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15
Once dissolved, remove from the heat and stir in 6 tablespoons of the brandy.
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16
Put the peach slices in a shallow bowl and pour the syrup over them, tossing gently and making sure all slices are covered.
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17
Let macerate for 30 minutes to soak up the brandy flavor.
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18
Drain the peaches and gently pat dry with paper towels.
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19
Using the largest slices first, make a circle with the peaches in the bottom of the crust, starting at the outer edge of the crust and slightly overlapping the slices.
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20
Working inward, make about 3 circles total, using the smallest slices last to make a final spiral of fruit.
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21
Heat the peach jam in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously, or warm in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stopping to stir the jam at 30-second increments.
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22
You want to break up any large lumps of fruit and thin out the jam so its easy to spread.
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23
Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons brandy and combine thoroughly.
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24
Using a pastry brush, spread the jam over the fruit to create a glossy finish.
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25
Chill the tart in the fridge to set.
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26
Once set, store in the fridge loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap.
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27
This is delicious with Vanilla Rice Dream or Vegan Whipped Topping (page 113).
