Fresh Mini Strawberry Tarts with Shortbread Crusts
Homemade shortbread cookie crusts are filled with sliced, fresh strawberries held together with a shiny easy-to-make glaze. Easy to serve and even easier to eat.
½cup(113g)1 stick chilled butter, cut into 8 pieces
1large(17g)egg yolk
1tablespoonheavy cream
½teaspoonvanilla extract
Filling
½cup + 2 tablespoons (142g)cold water
2tablespoonscornstarch
2tablespoonspowdered strawberry Jello - do not sub diet Jello
¾cup(240g)corn syrup
few drops of red food coloring - if desired
⅛teaspoonalmond extract - optional
1pound(454g)fresh strawberries, cleaned and de-stemmed
Instructions
Shortbread Crusts
Combine 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Add 1/2 cup 1 stick chilled butter, cut into 8 pieces and process until it looks like a cross between oatmeal and coarse cornmeal.
Combine 1 large egg yolk, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Process until most of the dough rolls into a ball. If necessary, sparingly add drops of cream to make it come together.
Press dough into a roll like refrigerated cookie dough. Wrap in plastic and chill 30 minutes
Spray molds generously with Baker's Secret or something like it. (Baker's Secret is an aerosol spray mix of flour and oil.) If using silicone molds, no greasing is necessary.
Slice your roll of dough into 12 pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap into a circle slightly larger than tart molds. Press into a mold with fingers being careful to keep the thickness consistent. Use a knife to trim off any extra at the top. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, overnight or up to a month. (See video for this step.)
Freeze tarts for at least 30 minutes. Lay nonstick foil or butter on the shiny side of aluminum foil and fit flat but snugly inside of the crust. Bake in a 375˚F (190˚C) oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil for the last 8 minutes of baking time. When you remove the foil, gently push the crust down if you see it has begun to puff. Cool.
Glaze
Combine 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons cold water, 2 tablespoons cornstarch2 tablespoons powdered strawberry Jello, and 3/4 cup corn syrup in that order. Stir or whisk until dissolved.
Cook the filling in a microwave using a 2 qt-glass batter bowl. Takes 4-7 minutes on High, stirring once or twice. The mixture should boil and thicken to the consistency of molasses.
Add few drops of red food coloring and 1/8 teaspoon almond extract, if using. Set aside to cool for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse and de-stem 1 pound fresh strawberries, cleaned and de-stemmed. Allow to drain and dry on a towel. Slice or cut strawberries into small pieces. Gently fold strawberries into the glaze.
Spoon glazed strawberries into baked shells. I like to fill them as high as possible. Decadence is irresistible.
Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Best eaten the day they are made. Just before serving, top with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.