Cheese Tarts Recipe
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this exquisite Cheese Tarts recipe, perfect for dessert lovers and ideal for serving alongside a warm cup of Cafe Latte or a savory Aloo Tikki Stuffed Pita Sandwich during your next tea break. The harmonious blend of creamy cheeses and buttery crust creates a tempting treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the detailed preparation of these delightful tarts, featuring easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour) | 1 cup |
| Butter (salted or unsalted, room temperature) | 50 grams |
| Icing Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 1 egg (plus additional as needed) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch (only if using unsalted butter) |
| Milk Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1 packet (or grated paneer with a pinch of salt) |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon (add zest for extra flavor) |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Corn Flour | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg Yolk | 1 (or 2 if making more tarts) |
| Butter | 25 grams |
Nutritional Information (per tart)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 40 |
| Cooking | 75 |
| Total Time | 115 |
Instructions
To begin making the Cheese Tarts, we will first prepare the crust. In a stand or electric mixer, combine the room temperature butter and icing sugar, mixing until the butter turns a creamy white color, which indicates that it has been whipped sufficiently. Next, add one whole egg and the vanilla extract to the mixture, ensuring that everything is well blended. Once incorporated, gently fold in the Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour) and milk powder. The mixture should resemble a dough that is slightly softer than traditional chapati dough.
After achieving the desired consistency, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out small circles, similar in thickness to how you would prepare pooris. You can use tart molds for this recipe or simply press the dough into the cups of a muffin tray, forming small tart shells.
Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15 to 16 minutes, or until they achieve a light golden brown color. Upon removing them from the oven, allow the tarts to cool as they will crisp up while cooling.
Now, it’s time to prepare the creamy filling. You can either use the double boiler method or simply take a non-stick pan and heat it over low flame. Begin by adding the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese, along with the lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheeses melt completely and are well combined.
Next, add the milk and corn flour to the pan, mixing them well. You may need to add a tiny splash of water if the mixture appears too thick. Allow this filling to cool slightly before adding the eggs—add them one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, along with the melted butter. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
Once your crusts have cooled down sufficiently, spoon the cheese filling into each tart shell, being careful not to overfill. To add a glossy finish, brush the tops of the filling with a little beaten egg yolk.
Return the tarts to the oven and bake them again at a higher temperature of 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit) for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden.
Finally, remove the Cheese Tarts from the oven and let them cool before serving. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator or keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for a day or two.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheese Tarts are best enjoyed with a warm Cafe Latte or paired with an Aloo Tikki Stuffed Pita Sandwich, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Their creamy texture and rich flavors will tantalize your taste buds, providing a delightful experience with every bite.
Conclusion
This Cheese Tarts recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward instructions to create a sophisticated dessert that is both delicious and visually appealing. With its flaky crust and rich cheese filling, it is a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether for a special occasion or just a casual tea break, these tarts are sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary creation and share the joy of baking with family and friends!
