Apple-Almond Cream Cheese Caramel Crostata

Sliced apples and golden raisins are arranged on a filling of almond paste and cream cheese that is spread on a refrigerated pie crust and baked.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces almond paste
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 refrigerated pie crust, room temperature
• 1 cup thinly sliced peeled and cored Granny Smith apple
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup apple jelly, melted
• 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the almond paste, sugar, nutmeg, cream cheese, egg yolk and vanilla in a food processor. Unroll pie crust onto a large baking sheet with sides, then spread cream cheese mixture over crust, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Arrange apples and raisins over filling. Fold crust's border up over the filling. Brush all over with the melted jelly. Bake in the center of oven until golden, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven, then drizzle with the caramel ice cream topping. Cool 30 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Number of Servings: 8

Notes from the Cook: Almond paste can be found in most major grocery stores, in the baking section or at a cake decorating store. Using purchased caramel ice cream topping saves time.