Mini cheese tarts

Mini Cheese Tarts - A Delicacy You Won't Forget

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 mini tarts

Who doesn't love mini cheese tarts? These little delights are perfect for any occasion, whether served at a party, as a dessert after a family dinner, or simply as a sweet snack during the day. The combination of flaky pastry and cream cheese creates a perfect balance between crunchy and creamy textures, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

The origins of mini cheese tarts are lost in the distant past, but their popularity has grown exponentially due to their versatility. They can be customized according to individual preferences, making them ideal for experimentation in the kitchen.

The basic ingredients are simple and accessible, yet each contributes significantly to the final flavor.

Ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g butter at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the pastry
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg yolk. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a fluffy cream. This process will ensure a fine texture for the pastry.

Add the sour cream and mix again. It is important to use quality sour cream, as it will contribute to the moisture and rich flavor of the pastry.

Now, it’s time to gradually add the flour along with baking powder and salt. Start kneading with your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous. Don’t worry if it seems to crumble at first; keep kneading, and you will obtain a beautiful and elastic dough.

Once you have the dough, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the butter to firm up, which will help achieve a flaky tart.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In another bowl, mix the eggs with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the cottage cheese, semolina, and cinnamon, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. The cinnamon adds a warm and comforting aroma, perfect for these mini tarts.

After mixing all the ingredients, let the filling cool for 30 minutes. This will allow the ingredients to blend perfectly, resulting in a creamy texture.

Step 3: Forming the tarts
After the dough has chilled, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a sheet about 5 mm thick.

Cut out tart shapes using a glass or a special cutter. Place each shape in the tray, pressing the dough into the bottom of the shape. It is important to be patient to achieve even edges. Trim the excess dough from the edges and prick the base of each tart with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

Step 4: Filling and baking
Add a tablespoon of the cheese filling into each shape. This step should be done carefully, trying not to overfill, as the filling will rise slightly while baking.

If you like, you can use the leftover dough to create a lattice on top of the tarts. This will not only look beautiful but will also add a crunchy texture.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the mini tarts for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.

After removing them from the oven, let them cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
Mini cheese tarts are excellent when served warm or at room temperature. You can dust them with a little powdered sugar on top or serve them with a fresh fruit sauce for a delicious contrast. Another idea would be to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or melted chocolate sauce.

If you want to experiment, you can modify this recipe by adding ingredients like raisins, chocolate pieces, or even a little almond extract to the cheese filling for a unique flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese, which will provide a different but equally delicious texture.

2. How can I store mini tarts?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to a month.

3. Can I make the tarts a day in advance?
Absolutely! These mini tarts keep well and are even tastier the next day after the flavors have melded.

4. How many calories do mini tarts contain?
One mini tart contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Nutritional Benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties. Thus, these mini tarts are not only delicious but also a healthier choice for a dessert.

In conclusion, mini cheese tarts are a versatile and easy-to-make choice suitable for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various flavors and ingredients to create unique versions of this classic recipe. Cook, share, and enjoy every bite!