Instructions

1. Peel and core the pears, leaving the stems attached if possible. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, mix together the wine, sugar, bay leaf and cinnamon. Split open the vanilla bean and scrape the insides into the pot. Add the vanilla bean stick to the pot as well. Remove the skin from the ginger and add to the pot.
3. Bring the pot to a boil, then down to a simmer and add your pears. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until the pears are mostly fork tender, but still a bit firm in the center. Remove from heat and leave the pears to soak in the liquid. The pears may be may a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
4. Mix together the flour and salt for the tart shell together. Cut in the shortening and the butter until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Slowly begin adding the ice water a tablespoon at a time just until everything comes together to form a dough. Divide the dough in half and form into discs. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. The dough may also be made a day in advance and left to chill overnight.
5. Place one disc on a lightly floured surface and divide into 6 equal sized balls. Roll out each ball until about 1/4 inch thick and place in 6 tart shells. Repeat with the remaining dough. Prick the bottoms of each shell. Freeze all the tart shells for about 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Cover the tart shells with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place weight on top of the shells (I used dried beans). Blind bake for 15 minutes, or until the shell just begins to form color. Remove and allow to cool completely. (Leave the oven on)
7. Beat the sugar and the butter together for the almond filling until light and creamy. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract then mix well. Slowly add in the all-purpose flour and the almond flour and beat well.
8. Fill each tart 2/3 full with the almond filling. Half the pears and place one cut side down on the tart and gently press down.
9. Bake the tarts for 18 - 25 minutes, or until the almond filling has puffed and is a light golden brown.
10. As the tarts are baking, take the poaching liquid and heat on medium-high until it reduces down to a syrup.
11. Remove and allow to cool completely.
12. Prior to serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar and brush the pears with the syrup. Serve immediately with a glass of Gloria Ferrer pinot noir.