Mini tarts with pineapple and mint

Delicious mini tarts with pineapple and mint – Treats for carolers

Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 25-30 minutes Total: 1 hour Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

The winter holidays are the perfect time to bring joy and flavor into every corner of your home. And these mini tarts with pineapple and mint will surely be a delight for carolers! The combination of fresh flavors, the fine texture of the dough, and the sweetness of the pineapple make this recipe an unforgettable dessert. Come and discover together how to prepare them step by step!

A brief history of mini tarts

Tarts, in general, have a rich history, being made since ancient times. They have evolved over time and have become a symbol of culinary art. Offering a meeting place between crispy dough and delicious fillings, mini tarts are ideal for serving on special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g wheat flour
- 125 g cold margarine, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 can of pineapple (about 400 g)
- 3 eggs
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons mint extract

Necessary utensils
- Large bowl for the dough
- Mini tart pans (12 servings)
- Baking paper
- Beans (for weight)
- Pot and metal bowl for bain-marie
- Strainer for draining pineapple
- Spatula for leveling

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cold margarine cut into cubes, beaten egg, powdered sugar, and salt. Use your fingers to knead the ingredients until you get a texture similar to wet sand. It is essential to work quickly, so the margarine does not warm up.

2. Chilling the dough:
Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps solidify the margarine and achieve a flaky texture.

3. Preparing the crust:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Use a round cutter or knife to cut circles from the dough, then place them in the greased tart pans. Don’t forget to poke the dough with a fork here and there to prevent puffing.

4. Baking the crust:
Cover each tart pan with baking paper and fill with beans for weight. Bake the crusts in the oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the baking paper and beans and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crusts turn golden. You will notice a beautiful color achieved thanks to the free-range eggs used!

5. Preparing the filling:
While the crusts are baking, open the can of pineapple and drain it well. Cut the pineapple into small cubes. In a metal bowl, beat the three eggs together with the sugar, pineapple juice, flour, and cornstarch. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie) and stir continuously. This slow cooking method will help thicken the mixture and achieve a creamy texture.

6. Finalizing the filling:
After about 10 minutes, the mixture should thicken. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the butter, stirring vigorously until smooth. Let the filling cool completely, then fold in the pineapple cubes and mint extract.

7. Filling the tarts:
Once the crusts have completely cooled, fill each mini tart with the pineapple filling, leveling with a spatula. From here, your imagination can run wild! You can decorate with pineapple pieces or indulge with fresh mint leaves.

Chef's tip

To add a touch of originality, you can replace the pineapple with other fruits, such as peaches or strawberries, depending on your preferences. Also, if you like a crunchy note, add some chopped nuts to the filling!

Nutritional information

These mini tarts are not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system, while eggs are an excellent source of protein. It is a perfect choice to add a healthy dessert to your meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine for the dough?
Of course! Butter will provide a richer flavor, but make sure it is cold, just like margarine.

2. How can I store the mini tarts?
They store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure they are covered so they do not dry out.

3. Can the mini tarts be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze the unfilled crusts. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and fill them with the prepared filling.

Serving and pairings

These mini tarts with pineapple and mint are perfect alongside a cup of green tea or a sweet white wine. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Enjoy every bite and let your imagination soar, experimenting with various flavors and ingredients! These mini tarts are not just a dessert, but a culinary experience full of flavor and joy, perfect for delighting carolers. Savor every moment spent in the kitchen and enjoy the final result!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 250 g flour 125 g margarine 1 egg 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 pinch of salt for the filling: 1 can pineapple 3 eggs 50 g powdered sugar 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons starch 2 teaspoons butter 2 teaspoons mint extract

 Tags:  mini pineapple and mint tarts minitarte pineapple mint sweets cream goodies for carolers