Apple pear Tart

For tart shell, prepare Basic Rich Pastry: On a lightly floured surface roll pastry dough to a circle 12 inches in diameter. Fit dough into a 10 or 11 inch flan pan with a removable bottom; press bottom and sides gently to remove air bubbles. Turn the overlapping dough edges to inside; press against sides of pan. Prick sides with fork. Line the bottom and sides of pan with heavy-duty foil and dry beans. Bake in a 400 oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake 10 to 15 minutes more or till golden; set aside. For filling, in a saucepan combine 5 cups apples, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup wine, butter, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, covered, about 10 minutes or till apples are tender. Slowly sprinkle farina over apples; stir constantly. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes or till mixture is thickened; stir frequently. Remove from heat; stir in Kirsch and vanilla. Cool slightly. Spread in bottom of baked tart shell. In a small saucepan combine the 1/4 cup wine, apricot preserves, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/8 teaspon cinnamon. Bring to boiling; add sliced apples and pears. Cook about 7 minutes or till apples are translucent. Drain, reserving liquid. Arrange apple slices in a circle and pear slices in rows. Cook reserved liquid till reduced to 2 tablespoons; stir in cognac. Spoon over fruit. Serves 10. Basic Rich Pastry 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup cold butter 1 tablespoon shortening 1 egg yolk 2 tablspoons cold water Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter and shortening with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center. Beat together egg yolk and water. Add to flour mixture. Using a fork, stir just till dough forms a ball. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3 or 4 times. Wrap in clear plastic wrap and chill 20 minutes in frezzer or 2 1/2 hours in refrigerator before rolling. Makes one 10 inch shell.