Cheese Tart and Jam Tart

Homemade Pastry Tarts: A Fall Delicacy

It is said that tarts are a little joy on a plate, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Preparing these homemade pastry tarts is not just a culinary activity, but also a creative and joyful experience. Whether you fill them with jam or a flavorful cream cheese mixture, these tarts are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 26 small tarts

Ingredients:

*For the pastry*:
- 150 g Rama Maestro margarine (70% fat)
- 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 150 ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- Flour, as needed
- 1 pinch of baking powder

*For the filling*:
- 150 g grated cheese (preferably cottage cheese or feta)
- 1 teaspoon sour cream
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetables for decoration: cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers
- Homemade jam (optional, of your choice)

Preparation:

1. Making the pastry:
- In a large bowl, start by creaming the margarine with the sugar until you achieve a smooth mixture. This will provide a fine taste and a fluffy texture to the pastry.
- Add the egg, salt, baking powder, and warm milk. Mix well so that all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously. You can start with a spatula and, as the dough becomes thicker, switch to kneading with your hands. It’s important to achieve a soft dough that isn’t sticky and easily comes away from your hands.
- Once you have the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

2. Shaping the tarts:
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 3-4 mm thick. Make sure the dough doesn’t stick to the surface; if necessary, sprinkle a little more flour.
- Use a large glass or a cutter to cut circles from the dough. These circles will become the base for your tarts.
- Using your fingers, shape each dough circle into muffin forms, carefully placing them in the muffin tin. This step is essential for achieving a uniform and attractive shape.

3. Baking the tarts:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Once the oven is ready, place the tray with the tarts inside.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until they become golden and tender. In the meantime, you can prepare the fillings.

4. Preparing the filling:
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheese with the sour cream, finely chopped red onion, and salt to taste. Ensure that all ingredients are well integrated to achieve a smooth and flavorful mixture.
- Another option is to fill some of the tarts with homemade jam. Here, you can choose your favorite flavors: apricot, plum, or sour cherry, which pair perfectly with the delicate crust.

5. Filling and decorating:
- After the tarts have cooled, fill each tart with the cheese mixture or jam. Be creative! You can decorate the tarts with finely chopped vegetables - bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers - to give them a vibrant and appetizing look.
- You can also form small balls from any leftover cheese and place them on slices of bell pepper to create adorable "mushrooms," adding a playful element to your dish.

6. Serving:
- These tarts are perfect as appetizers or desserts. You can serve them alongside other appetizers, such as olives or fresh salads. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a non-alcoholic cocktail, will perfectly complement this meal.
- Arrange them on a beautiful platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the margarine is at room temperature before using it for better incorporation into the mixture.
- If you don’t have grated cheese, you can use well-drained cottage cheese, which will provide a similar texture.
- Instead of red onion, you can try green onions or leeks for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can use dairy-free margarine and a cheese alternative, such as tofu or cashew cheese.

Nutritional benefits:
These tarts are a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, while the added vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The jam, depending on the ingredients used, can add a note of healthy energy, and the homemade pastry, although richer in calories, is much healthier compared to industrial products, allowing you to control the ingredients.

With these homemade pastry tarts, you will surely impress everyone, and the joy of cooking will become a delightful memory every fall. Enjoy! If you liked this recipe, don’t hesitate to share it with your loved ones and explore other recipes on my blog!