Mini tarts with apples, quinces, cinnamon, and cloves

Mini tarts with apples, quinces, cinnamon and cloves - A festive delight

If your culinary dream is to bring the warm aroma of winter into your home, mini tarts with apples, quinces, cinnamon, and cloves are the perfect choice. These miniature tarts will not only fill your kitchen with inviting aromas, but they are also extremely easy to prepare. Although they are a simple dessert, they have one flaw - they disappear quickly from the plate!

These delicious mini tarts are ideal for both festive meals and everyday days or even during fasting periods, thanks to the accessible ingredients and simple preparation method. Additionally, with the help of a packet of pie spice mix from Kotany, you will have a perfectly balanced dessert in flavors.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients:
- 1 jar of 570 g of preserved apples for winter
- 1 jar of 370 g of preserved quinces for winter
- 1 packet of Kotany pie spice mix
- 400 g of puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g of raisins
- 100 g of walnut kernels (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tablespoons of crushed biscuits (2-3 plain biscuits, ground)

Preparation:

1. Thawing the dough: The night before, leave the puff pastry to thaw in the refrigerator. This step is essential to have a dough that is easy to handle and will bake evenly.

2. Preparing the molds: The next day, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cut the puff pastry into squares suitable for muffin tins. Use metal or silicone muffin molds to avoid problems when removing the mini tarts after baking.

3. Arranging the dough: Place each square of dough in the muffin molds, making sure it fits well into their shape. This will become the perfect base for your delicious filling.

4. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the preserved apples and quinces. If you are using fresh fruit, peel, grate, and sauté them with a little sugar, to taste, until they become soft. Add the raisins, walnut kernels, lemon zest, and the pie spice mix. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are homogeneous.

5. Filling the molds: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs at the bottom of each mold to absorb excess moisture from the filling. Use a spoon to add the apple and quince mixture to each mold, filling them almost to the edge.

6. Finishing the mini tarts: On top of the filling, sprinkle a layer of crushed biscuits, followed by a little sugar to create a delicious caramelized crust. If desired, add almond flakes for an extra texture and flavor.

7. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until they acquire a beautiful golden-brown color. I advise you to watch the baking process closely, as each oven may have different characteristics.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the mini tarts cool in the molds for a few minutes, then carefully remove them and place them on a serving platter. These delicious mini tarts can be served warm or at room temperature, and a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream will perfectly complement them.

Practical tips:
- If you do not have preserved apples and quinces, you can use fresh fruit, but make sure to cook them enough to make them soft.
- Experiment with other spices; adding nutmeg or vanilla can provide an interesting note.
- You can replace the walnut kernels with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on preferences.

Nutritional information:
These mini tarts are a good source of fiber, thanks to the fruit, and contain healthy fats from nuts. They also have a moderate calorie content, making them a healthier choice for a dessert. In a serving of 1 mini tart, you can estimate approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums, or even berries, depending on the season.

2. How can I store the mini tarts?
They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What can I pair the mini tarts with?
The mini tarts with apples and quinces pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine, turning them into a perfect dessert for winter evenings.

These mini tarts with apples, quinces, cinnamon, and cloves are not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth to every corner of your home. Try them and let yourself be carried away by their magical aromas! Enjoy!