FRUIT TAGS RECIPES

Steps:

• Make crust: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and almond extract and stir until dough forms. Press mixture into a 10" tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing dough all the way up the sides and until dough is smooth.  Prick all over with a fork and bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely.  Make filling: In a medium bowl using a hand mixer beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a large bowl, beat mascarpone and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract and beat until no lumps remain. Fold in whipped cream.  Spread filling over cooled crust and arrange fresh fruit on top.  In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat together preserves and 2 teaspoons water until warmed, 30 seconds. Brush over tart and refrigerate until well chilled, 2 hours.

Steps:

• Put the flavor ingredient (prepared as detailed in the article) in a sterilized glass mason jar. For ingredients such as leaves, press it down towards the bottom so the alcohol covers it.
• Pour the alcohol over the ingredients. Make sure the alcohol completely covers the ingredient (add more if it doesn’t). Screw on the two piece lid.
• Place the jar in a cool, dark place (such as inside a cabinet). Once a day, pull it out and give it a good shake. Make sure the ingredients are still covered with alcohol; if they’re not, add more alcohol until they are.
• After the extract has infused for the allotted time (indicated in the recipes in the article), strain it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Discard the food bits and save the extract.
• Using a funnel, carefully pour the completed extract into an amber-colored glass bottle (discard or compost the spent plant matter). Store in a cool, dry place.