The Healthiest Fruit Tarts
Try this The Healthiest Fruit Tarts recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this The Healthiest Fruit Tarts recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 12.4975 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.62666666973247 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 3.13706666931859 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (17g)
- Sodium 145.342500235902 mg
- Sugar 12.4975 g
- Trans Fat 0.213973333514216 g
- Calories 80 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450F.
- Have muffin pan ready. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add shortening and coconut oil, and using a pastry blender, cut shortening and oil into flour until texture is coarse (like tiny granola clusters).
- Next, add 3 tablespoons of icy water and work it in the dough until dough comes together nicely. Squeeze a handful and see if the dough holds its shape nicely. If so, you're good. If it's still a bit crumbly, add the extra tablespoon of water. (I only needed 3 tbsp every time)
- Place dough on a lightly floured pastry board or clean work surface, and begin rolling the dough until you achieve about an ½" thickness. Using a 4" sized cookie cutter (or around that size), cut out as many circles as you can before re-flouring and re-rolling dough. Repeat this step until entire dough's used up. Avoid eating the dough raw...it's very tempting....
- Gently place circles into each cavity, pressing down just enough to even out the shape.
- Next, using a fork, prick a few holes into each tart cup.
- Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, then remove pan and place in preheated oven.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes max. Depending on the depth of flavor you prefer your crust to have.
- After placing cut circle pieces in muffin cavities, bake immediately for 7 minutes and up to a max of 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow tart crusts to cool slightly in the pan for at least 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
The Healthiest Fruit Tarts: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping a semblance of order in the house, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels like a luxury. Yet, I've always believed in the importance of nourishing my family with wholesome, delicious food. This is where these fruit tarts come in. They're not just incredibly tasty; they're a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
I developed this recipe out of sheer necessity. I needed a dessert that was both quick to make and packed with nutrients, something that wouldn’t leave me feeling guilty after indulging. Forget those overly sweet, processed treats laden with refined sugars and artificial ingredients. These tarts are made with wholesome ingredients – a simple, naturally sweetened crust and a vibrant array of fresh fruits. The best part? The entire process, from mixing the dough to baking the tarts, takes less than 30 minutes.
The Crust: A Foundation of Goodness
The secret to these tarts lies in their surprisingly simple, yet incredibly flavorful crust. Forget the store-bought versions loaded with preservatives and unhealthy fats. This crust is made from scratch using whole wheat flour for added fiber, vegan shortening and coconut oil for a touch of healthy fats, and just a hint of sweetness from a little bit of sugar. The icy water ensures the dough remains perfectly crumbly and easy to work with. I've perfected the technique to ensure a beautifully tender yet sturdy base for your delicious fruit filling.
The Filling: A Rainbow of Flavor
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. The filling is entirely up to you! I love experimenting with different combinations of seasonal fruits. In the summer, I might use a mix of juicy strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. In the fall, crisp apples and pears create a heartwarming, autumnal delight. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination and the current season's produce.
Beyond the Recipe: A Moment of Peace
More than just a recipe, this fruit tart represents a moment of quiet amidst the chaos. The rhythmic act of rolling out the dough, pressing the crust into the muffin tin, and arranging the colorful fruit is a form of mindful meditation. It’s a chance to disconnect from the demands of the day and connect with the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful and delicious for my family. The aroma of baking tarts fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a small gesture, but it’s a powerful reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there’s always time to nourish both body and soul.
Adapting to Your Needs
This recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary needs. You can easily substitute the vegan shortening and coconut oil with butter or other preferred fats, keeping in mind its impact on the final taste and calorie count. If you're following a gluten-free diet, almond or coconut flour can be a great substitute. The filling is the perfect opportunity to cater to individual preferences; I often ask my kids to help me pick out their favorite fruits. It's a fun way for them to get involved in the cooking process.
More Than Just a Dessert
These fruit tarts aren't just a decadent dessert; they're a symbol of my commitment to providing my family with healthy, delicious food. It’s a small act of love, a tangible way to show my family that I care about their well-being, and a sweet reward for navigating the daily challenges of motherhood. They are a small slice of happiness in a busy life, a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there is always time to savor the simple things – and enjoy a delicious, healthy treat.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dessert, give these fruit tarts a try. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from a weeknight family dinner to a special occasion gathering. I know, firsthand, they can transform a busy day into something truly special. And that, in itself, is priceless.
