Jam Tartlets

Jam tartlets are a classic sweet treat for tea time or as a dessert, simple to prepare and very versatile. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 250 g of type 00 flour
• 125 g of cold butter, cubed
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Jam of your choice (berries, apricot, cherry, etc.)
• Icing sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt with the sugar. Add the cubed cold butter and start to work the mixture with your fingertips until it becomes sandy.
2. Make a well in the center and add the egg and the grated lemon zest. Quickly work the dough until it forms a smooth and homogeneous ball. If necessary, add a tablespoon of cold water to better bind the dough.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. In the meantime, butter and flour the tartlet molds.
5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, on a floured surface, roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 3-4 mm.
6. Cut out discs of the freshly rolled shortcrust pastry to line the molds, making sure to form a slightly raised edge on the sides.
7. Prick the bottom of the tartlets with a fork; this will prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
8. Distribute the jam within the tartlets, not overfilling them to prevent it from overflowing during cooking.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tartlets are golden brown.
10. Allow the tartlets to cool before gently unmolding them. Dust with icing sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Fun Fact

The tart is a much-loved sweet in Italy, and each region has its variant, with different types of jams or preserves. Traditionally, the most famous tarts include apricot or cherry jams, classic and delicious on any occasion.