Mini holiday tarts

Mini Holiday Tarts – A Delicacy Full of Magic and Flavor

The winter holidays are a perfect occasion to indulge in sweet delights, and these mini tarts are truly special! With a fluffy dough and a delicious blueberry cream, these tarts are not just a culinary treat but also a way to bring joy and warmth to the hearts of loved ones. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure together to create these mini holiday tarts!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 teaspoons of dry yeast or 40 g of fresh yeast
- 1 cup (200 ml) of lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 package of margarine (approximately 250 g)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g) to achieve a bread-like dough

Ingredients for the cream:
- 1 packet of store-bought tart cream powder
- 500 ml of cold milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 g of blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Ingredients for decoration:
- Coconut
- Dark and white chocolate

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by placing the yeast in a bowl. If using fresh yeast, add the sugar and mix until the yeast liquefies. For dry yeast, simply mix the yeast with the sugar and lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Once completely melted, add it to the yeast mixture. Add a pinch of salt and begin incorporating the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Form it into a ball, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour.

4. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, add the cold milk, sugar, and cream powder. Use a mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase the speed and mix vigorously for 3-5 minutes until the cream becomes thick and airy. Add the blueberries and gently fold in with a spatula.

5. Preparing the chocolate decorations: On a sheet of parchment paper, draw hearts with melted dark chocolate. Use a cone made from a plastic bag to outline the hearts. Let them harden, then melt the white chocolate and fill the hearts. Once set, carefully peel them off.

6. Forming the mini tarts: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out circles and place them in the mini tart molds. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing.

7. Baking: Bake the mini tarts for 15 minutes or until golden. Once removed from the oven, let them cool completely in the molds.

8. Assembling the mini tarts: After the tarts have cooled, dip the edges in melted chocolate, then in coconut for a nice rim. Fill them with the blueberry cream and decorate with the chocolate hearts.

Useful tips:
- Choose quality chocolate for a better taste.
- If you don’t have blueberries, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Mini tarts can be prepared a day in advance, making them ideal for holiday meals.

Nutritional benefits:
These mini tarts contain milk, which is a good source of calcium, and blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants. Whole wheat flour used in the dough, if chosen, can add beneficial extra fiber for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, sunflower or olive oil is a good alternative, but the texture of the dough will change slightly.
- Can I freeze the mini tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the mini tarts without the cream. Add the cream and decorations after thawing to maintain freshness.

Serving:
These mini tarts are excellent as a holiday dessert, perfect to be served alongside a cup of warm tea or coffee. You can also pair them with a sweet wine or champagne to add a festive touch.

The holidays are a time of joy, and these mini holiday tarts are a perfect way to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. Enjoy every step of this recipe and don’t forget to share this delicacy with those you love!