Making Tartlet Shells

in Diana's Recipe Book

Average Rating:  (total ratings: 1)

Servings: Makes 6 (4-inch) or 12 (2-inch) shells

Comments: Here's a simple recipe for making sweet tartlet dough and then if desired, baking the tartlets "blind" (without filling). This recipe will make enough dough for 6 (4-inch) tartlets or 12 (2-inch) miniature tartlets or enough dough for one 9 1/2-inch tart or one 13 3/4 x 4 1/4-inch rectangular tart.

Ingredients: 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp. very cold water 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 8 tbsp. (1 stick/4 oz./113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

Instructions: In a small bowl, stir together the egg yolk, water and vanilla; set aside. To Make the Dough by Hand: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt. Using a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal, with butter pieces no larger than small peas. Add the egg mixture and mix with a fork just until the dough pulls together. To Make the Dough in a Stand Mixer: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, stir together the flour, sugar and salt in the mixer bowl. Add the butter and beat on medium-low speed until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal, with butter pieces no larger than small peas. Add the egg mixture and beat just until the dough pulls together. Transfer the dough to a work surface, pat into a ball and flatten into a disk. Use the dough immediately, or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, about 30 minutes. To Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured board, flatten the disk with 6 to 8 gentle taps of the rolling pin. Lift the dough and give it a quarter turn. Lightly dust the top of the dough or the rolling pin with flour as needed, then roll out until the dough is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a small, sharp knife to cut out a round or rounds 2 inches greater in diameter than your tart or larger tartlet pans. Use a small, sharp knife or a cookie cutter to cut out rounds 1/2 to 1 inch greater in diameter than your miniature tartlet pans. If using a rectangular tart pan, cut out a rectangle 2 inches larger on all sides than the pan. Makes enough dough for 6 (4-inch) tartlets, 12 (2-inch) miniature tartlets or one 9 1/2-inch tart or a 13 3/4 x 4 1/4-inch rectangular tart. To Blind Bake (baked without filling): Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C. Line the tart shells with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights. Bake until the shells are set and the paper does not stick when lifted, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the paper and weights and continue baking until the shells are golden, 5 to 7 minutes more. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Nut Dough Variation: Add 2 tbsp. ground toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts to the flour mixture and proceed as directed. Make-Ahead Tip: The tart dough may be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the dough round on a 12-inch cardboard circle and wrap it well with plastic wrap. Alternatively, use the round to line a tart pan and wrap well.

Date: October 13, 2006

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