Mini Strawberry-Rhubarb Pies

Step 1

To prepare crust & topping: Combine 3/4 cup almonds, flour, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse until the nuts are finely ground. Add butter; pulse until well incorporated.

Step 2

Whisk egg, oil, vanilla and almond extract in a small bowl. With the motor running, add the mixture to the food processor. Process, then pulse, scraping down the sides if necessary, until the mixture begins to clump, 30 to 45 seconds (it will look crumbly). Measure out 1/4 cup of the mixture and combine in a bowl with the remaining 1/4 cup almonds; set aside for the topping.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a 12-cup nonstick muffin tin with cooking spray.

Step 4

Using clean hands, press about 1/4 cup of the crust mixture into the bottom and all the way up the sides of each muffin cup. Prick the bottoms with a fork.

Step 5

Bake until the crusts are set and the edges are just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 6

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees .

Step 7

To prepare filling: Process tapioca in a spice grinder, mini food processor or blender until finely ground. Combine with rhubarb, sugar, water, vanilla and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until bubbling, thickened and the rhubarb is starting to break down, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in strawberries. Divide the filling among the crusts (a generous 2 tablespoons each). Sprinkle with the reserved topping.

Step 8

Bake the mini pies until the topping is beginning to brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Loosen the edges with a paring knife, then gently pry the pies out of the tin with a butter knife. Serve warm or room temperature.