An almost-instant crust, made with vanilla wafer cookies and smoked almonds, is the secret to this simple and unusual tart.  Bonus – a few cookies to eat!

Ingredients:

• 2 c vanilla wafer cookies (1 12 oz box = 2 1/2 c crumbs)
• ½ c smoked almonds
• ¼ c sugar
• 2 Tab sugar
• 4 Tab. unsalted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ c sour cream
• 1 egg
• 2 medium firm, ripe peaches

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a food processor, combine the vanilla wafers with the almonds and 2 tablespoons of the sugar and process until fine.
3. Add the melted butter and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
4. Press the crumbs into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, until the crust is set.
6. Meanwhile, wipe out the food processor bowl.
7. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar and process until smooth.
8. Pour the custard into the crust and bake for 15 minutes, until set.
9. Let the tart cool slightly and transfer to the freezer to chill, about 15 minutes.
10. In a bowl, toss the peaches with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
11. Arrange the peaches in 2 concentric circles over the custard.
12. Remove the ring, cut the tart into wedges, and serve.

Serves: 8

Source:  Foodandwine.com Grace Parisi, August 2011