Almond Pear Tartlets

Ingredients

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup(s) plus 6 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup(s) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoon(s) butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) almond extract
• 1 10-ounce package(s) frozen puff pastry shells, thawed
• 2 small ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
• 1/2 cup(s) slivered almonds, toasted, optional

Preparation

1. • In a small saucepan, combine the egg, 1/2 cup sugar, cream and butter. Cook and stir until the sauce is thickened and a thermometer reads 160°. Remove from the heat; stir in extract. Cover and refrigerate.
2. • On an unfloured surface, roll each pastry into a 4-in. circle. Place in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Top each with pear slices. Combine the cinnamon, ginger and remaining sugar; sprinkle over pears.
3. • Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Sprinkle with almonds if desired. Serve warm with chilled cream sauce.