Baskets with fruit preserve and walnuts

Mini tarts with plum jam and walnuts – Sweet delights for any occasion

When it comes to desserts, mini tarts with plum jam and walnuts are a perfect choice for any event. These little treats are not only easy to make, but they also keep very well, making them ideal for serving to carolers or at parties. With a soft texture and refined taste, these mini tarts are sure to impress everyone. Let’s see how we can make them step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 45 pieces

Ingredients for the dough:
- 4 egg yolks
- 400 g flour
- 150 g lard (or butter for a finer version)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (approx. 100 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the filling:
- 470 ml plum jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 4 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts

Preparing the dough:
1. In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and lard at room temperature. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
2. Add the flour and baking powder, continuing to mix. It is important for the flour to be sifted to avoid lumps.
3. Gradually incorporate the sour cream, mixing until the dough becomes elastic and easy to shape. If you find the dough too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of sour cream.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it for an even better texture.

Forming the mini tarts:
5. On a floured or greased work surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
6. Using a glass or a cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough. These will become the base of your mini tarts.
7. Place the circles in the mini tart molds, making sure to cover the edges well. Continue to re-roll the remaining dough and cut out round shapes until all the dough is used up.

Filling the mini tarts:
8. Each mini tart will be filled with a tablespoon of plum jam or any jam of your choice. Choose a jam you like, from sour cherry to apricot, to give a personal twist to the recipe.

Preparing the meringue:
9. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Continue beating, gradually adding the sugar, until the mixture becomes glossy and holds onto the mixer (forming firm peaks).
10. Gently fold in the ground walnuts with a spatula, mixing from top to bottom to keep the air in the meringue.

Baking:
11. Using a spoon, add a generous layer of meringue on top of each mini tart.
12. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with the mini tarts in the oven.
13. Bake for 30 minutes or until the meringue turns slightly golden and the mini tarts are baked.

Cooling and serving:
14. Once they are ready, let the mini tarts cool in the tray for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the molds. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

My tip: These mini tarts are delicious both warm and cold, and can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also experiment with different types of fillings, such as chocolate cream or marmalade, to create unique variations.

Nutritional benefits:
These mini tarts are an excellent source of energy due to the walnuts, which provide healthy fats for the heart, protein, and minerals. The plum jam is rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecan nuts or hazelnuts can add a different touch.
- How can I keep the mini tarts fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent drying out.
- Can these mini tarts be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the baked mini tarts, but it is recommended to consume them fresh for the best experience.

These mini tarts with plum jam and walnuts are more than just a simple dessert; they are a piece of my culinary memories, a symbol of gatherings with family and friends. I encourage you to make them and share, turning every moment into something special!

 Ingredients: Dough: - 4 egg yolks - 400 g flour - 150 g lard - 4 tablespoons sour cream (approx. 100 g) - 1 baking powder Filling: - 470 ml plum jam or any other jam you like - 4 egg whites - 250 g sugar - 200 g ground walnuts

 Tags:  quick cookies nut cookies dough for pastries dough for pastries