Step #1 --TOPPING----- 3/4 c Powdered sugar 1 1/4 c Almond flour 10 tb Butter; softened 2 Egg yolks 1 Whole egg 1/4 c Slivered almonds 3 tb Kirsch--GARNISH----- Fresh mint Powdered sugar in shaker Prehaet the oven to 425F degrees.
Step #2 In a sauce pan, mix the sugar, honey, vanilla bean & water.
Step #3 Bring the liquid to a boil.
Step #4 Add the apricots & bring back to a boil.
Step #5 remove this from heat.
Step #6 Invert a saucer on top of the fruit to keep it submerged.
Step #7 Cover the saucepan & let this stand for 24 hrs.
Step #8 During the marinating, the pits will impart an almond flavor to the apricots and their syrup.
Step #9 Drain the fruit, reserving the syrup & being careful not to crsuh the apricots.
Step #10 Halve the apricots.
Step #11 Remove & discard the pits.
Step #12 Place 4-5 apricot halves in the bottom of each gratin dish , so they cover the bottom of the dish, PLace the remaining apricots in a food processor/blender with apricot syrup & puree until smooth.
Step #13 For the topping: mix 1/2 c of the powdered sugar, butter, the almond powder, egg yolks, & the whole egg in a mixinf bowl & beat with a whisk until smooth.
Step #14 Divide the batter among the 6 gratin dishes and spread evenly over the apricots.
Step #15 Sprinkle top the top this with the slivered almonds & remaining powdered sugar.
Step #16 Place the gratins in the oven & bake for 15-20 mins.
Step #17 Bring the puree witht he Kirsch up to a simmer.
Step #18 Remove gratins from the oven & place one on each plate.
Step #19 Garnish with puree, powdered sugar & fresh mint.