Fourth of July Festivities in San Jose

Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072

San Jose, CA – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) claimed a back-to-back win in the Campus Community Association’s annual Fourth of July Bake-Off Contest, where  “Zoe’s 4th of July Almond Tart” took home first prize.  Last year, Congresswoman Lofgren won the top prize with her homemade Pecan Pie.  The pressure will be on for Zoe in 2005 for a three-peat.

The winning recipe:

Zoe’s 4th of July Almond Tart

Pastry:  

1 cup flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon of sugar

1 tablespoon (or more) water

a few drops of almond extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

1 cup sliced almonds

3/4 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

few drops almond extract

1 teaspoon Grand Marnier

Mix the flour with the sugar.  Cut in butter until mealy.  Work in water, vanilla and almond extract. Press paste into 9-inch tart pan.  Chill for one hour.

Bake tart for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or until golden brown. 

Combine all filing ingredients and let stand until sugar dissolves, about 20 minutes.  Pour into shell and return to oven.  Bake for 40 minutes or until top is brown and sugar caramelized. 

 Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.