Gourmet Picnic Recipes: Frangipane Hamhock Acorn Delight

Embrace the elegance of a gourmet picnic with the delightful Frangipane Hamhock Acorn Delight. This unique dish combines the rich, nutty flavors of frangipane with tender hamhock, all presented in a stunning acorn-shaped tart. Perfect for al fresco dining, this recipe will not only captivate your taste buds but also add an artistic touch to your picnic spread.

Ingredients

For the Frangipane Filling:

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 200g ground almonds
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp almond extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Hamhock Mixture:

• 300g cooked hamhock, shredded
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Tart Shell:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 50g icing sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-4 tbsp cold water

Garnish:

• Edible flowers (such as nasturtiums or violets)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell

1. In a food processor, combine the chilled butter, icing sugar, and flour. Pulse until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and enough cold water to form a soft dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 10 minutes.
4. Line the tart shell with parchment paper, fill with baking beans, and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Hamhock Mixture

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the shredded hamhock, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Frangipane Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated.
3. Stir in the ground almonds, flour, almond extract, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Spread the hamhock mixture evenly over the cooled tart shell.
2. Pour the frangipane filling over the hamhock, spreading it out evenly to cover.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the frangipane is golden and set. A skewer inserted should come out clean.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Allow the tart to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Once completely cool, garnish with edible flowers and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: Choose high-quality hamhock for the best flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of roasted vegetables in place of hamhock.
• Texture: Ensure that the frangipane is not overbaked to maintain a moist and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory hamhock.
• Serving Suggestions: This tart is delicious served at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a selection of cheeses and crusty bread.

Variations

• For a twist, incorporate seasonal vegetables into the hamhock mixture, such as sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers.
• Use different nut flours (like hazelnuts) in the frangipane for a unique flavor profile.

The Frangipane Hamhock Acorn Delight is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish is sure to impress your picnic companions and elevate your outdoor dining experience.

For more culinary inspiration and techniques, check out this article on making the perfect tart crust or explore our gourmet picnic guide.

Ready to take your picnic to the next level? Try this recipe out and share your experience with us!