Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Oven temperature: 180° C (350° F)

Making the almond paste

1. Using an electric chopper, grind the almonds to a fine powder.
2. Add the granulated sugar, icing sugar, almond extract and egg yolk. Blend again to form a smooth mixture. Set aside. 

Making the tart

1. Peel the apples; halve, core, seed and slice them.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, or melt in a microwave.
3. Roll out the pie pastry and line a deep pie or tart pan.
4. Weight the crust with dried beans and bake at 180° C (350° F) for ten minutes.
5. Remove from the oven; remove the beans; spread the almond paste in the bottom of the pie shell.
6. Dip the apples in butter and arrange them on top of the almond paste, beginning at the perimeter and finishing in the center to form a rosette pattern.
7. Sprinkle with the sugar and bake for approximately 20 minutes.