Mini holiday tarts

Mini holiday tarts - an explosion of flavors and colors

Introduction
Holidays are special occasions that call for exquisite dishes, and mini holiday tarts are definitely a perfect choice. These small yet flavorful delights combine the crispy texture of the pastry with a smooth and sweet cream, decorated with chocolate hearts, bringing a smile to anyone who tastes them. Moreover, they are an excellent way to gather family and friends around the table. Whether served as a dessert at a party or as a sweet gift, these mini tarts will attract all eyes.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 200 g butter (ideally at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 350 g flour
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the cream:
- 1 packet of commercial tart cream powder (ensures a smooth and creamy texture)
- 500 ml milk (best cold from the fridge)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable according to personal preferences)
- 100 g frozen or fresh blueberries (for a fruity and vibrant note)

For decoration:
- Coconut (for a decorative look and tropical aroma)
- Dark chocolate (for outlines and white chocolate for filling)

History of the recipe
Mini holiday tarts evolved from the tradition of making larger tarts, but over time, they gained popularity in individual portions. They are not only easier to serve but also allow for a greater variety of fillings and decorations. In ancient times, tarts were made with seasonal ingredients, and sweets were a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Today, mini tarts are a testament to creativity and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones.

Step by step to achieve perfect mini holiday tarts

1. Preparing the pastry
Start by creaming the butter with the powdered sugar. Use a mixer on low speed, then increase the speed to achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the egg and mix well. Now, it's time to integrate the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a homogeneous dough forms. It should not be too sticky; if it is, you can add a little more flour.

2. Resting the dough
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour. This step is essential as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and giving it a crispy texture after baking.

3. Preparing the cream
While the dough rests, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, combine the cold milk with the sugar and cream powder. Use a mixer to blend on low speed until the ingredients combine, then increase the speed and mix vigorously until the cream becomes thick. Add the blueberries and mix for another 2 minutes. You will notice the cream taking on a beautiful color from the blueberries.

4. Creating the chocolate hearts
For decoration, take a piece of parchment paper and draw hearts with a pencil. Melt the dark chocolate and use a corner of a bag to outline the drawn hearts. Let them harden, then melt the white chocolate and fill in the hearts. Once they have hardened, carefully peel them off the paper.

5. Baking the mini tarts
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick. Use a glass or a cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the circles in the mini tart molds, prick them with a fork to prevent puffing, and bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Let them cool before removing them from the molds.

6. Assembling the mini tarts
Once the tarts have completely cooled, you can dip the edges in melted chocolate and then in coconut for an elegant look. Fill each mini tart with the previously prepared cream and decorate with the chocolate hearts.

Useful tips
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for even mixing with the sugar.
- You can substitute the blueberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries to vary the flavors.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream.
- These mini tarts can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making them ideal for festive events.

Calories and nutritional benefits
One serving of a mini tart contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide carbohydrates from flour, healthy fats from butter, and nutrients from blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants. Additionally, blueberries are known for their heart health and memory benefits.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may vary.

2. How can I store the mini tarts?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best consumed within 2-3 days.

3. What drinks pair well with these mini tarts?
A cup of green tea or a sweet white wine would perfectly complement the dessert.

In conclusion, making these mini holiday tarts is a true pleasure, and the result will bring joy not only to those who taste them but also to you as the cook. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process!