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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 40 Minutes Servings: 2 |
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Traditionally made with apricots and plums, these tarts have a place in Polish tradition. This version includes sweet-tart cranberries that complement a brown sugar-shortbread crust; a nut topping adds a pleasant crunch. Easy to prepare and oh-so good, they make an excellent snack or end to any meal. From Market of Choice. Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cornstarch (i used arrowroot) or 2 tablespoons arrowroot (i used arrowroot) |
1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice |
1/2 cup granulated sugar |
10 ounces fresh cranberries (or 10 oz pkg frozen cranberries) |
1 small orange, zest of (i used part orange and part meyer lemon) |
1/2 cup rolled oats |
1/2 cup sunflower seeds, shelled |
1/2 cup almonds, sliced |
1 cup unsalted butter, softened |
1/4 cup brown sugar (for this crust i tried dark brown sugar) |
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract |
2 cups flour |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1 tablespoon cold water (optional) |
Directions:
1. Cranberry Filling: In a sauce pan, dissolve cornstarch into cold cranberry juice. Add sugar, cranberries and orange zest, then cook on high, stirring until bubbly (approx. 6 min). Reduce heat and simmer 20 min, until thickened. Set aside.
2. Nut Topping: Combine all ingredients and set aside.
3. Brown Sugar-Shortbread Crust : In a mixer, with paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy (approx. 4 minutes).
4. Turn off mixer from time to time and, using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure ingredients are well blended. Incorporate dry ingredients.
5. Add water to make dough easier to handle, if dough is dry and crumbly. Do not overwork.
6. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/3” thickness. Cut 12, 4” rounds with a cookie cutter or the mouth of a glass (I use my trusty tortilla press!). If needed, gather excess dough and roll again.
7. Press rounds into a small 12-muffin tin (1/3 cup muffin size) to form the tart crusts.
8. Fill each crust with cranberry filling and top with nut mixture.
9. Bake at 375 degrees approximately 20 minutes.
10. Cool completely, remove from muffin tin and garnish with powdered sugar, if desired.
11. Note: These tarts are traditionally served with (cultured) sour cream.
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