๐ช Almond Tassies ๐ช
Almond Tassies are delightful little pastry treats that have a rich history and a mouthwatering taste. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Here’s everything you need to know about Almond Tassies:
๐ History:
Almond Tassies are believed to have originated in Europe and are closely related to traditional butter tart recipes. The term “tassie” refers to a small, shallow, pastry cup used for baking. Over the years, this dessert has evolved into a popular treat, especially during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
๐ฅ Components:
Here are the main components of Almond Tassies:
- Pastry Dough: A buttery, flaky pastry dough is used to create the shell for the filling.
- Almond Filling: The filling is made from a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, egg, and flavorings, usually almond extract.
- Toppings: Sometimes, sliced almonds are added on top for extra texture and flavor.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Almond Tassies:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)
Steps:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Shape the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Divide the chilled dough into 24 equal pieces and shape each into a small ball.
- Press each ball into a mini muffin tin to create a pastry shell.
-
Prepare the Almond Filling:
- In another bowl, mix together the ground almonds, sugar, egg, and almond extract until well combined.
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Fill the Shells:
- Spoon a small amount of the almond filling into each pastry shell, filling them about 2/3 full.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
-
Garnish:
- If desired, place a sliced almond on top of each Almond Tassie for decoration during the last few minutes of baking.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tassies to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
๐ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Tassies is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, including preparation and baking time. It’s a wonderful treat to share with friends and family, and the effort is well worth the delicious results! Enjoy your Almond Tassies! ๐ช๐
Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Almond Tassies:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Almond Tassie):
- Calories: Approximately 120
- Total Fat: About 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 20 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 45 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 11 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram
- Sugars: About 6 grams
- Protein: Approximately 2 grams
Health Information:
- Almond Tassies are a delicious but indulgent dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation.
- They are relatively high in calories, mainly due to the buttery pastry and sugar in the filling.
- The ground almonds provide some protein and healthy fats, but they are still calorie-dense.
- The cream cheese and butter in the pastry contribute to the saturated fat content.
- While almonds are a source of healthy fats, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
- Almond Tassies are a sweet treat and should be considered an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack.
- Consider portion control to manage calorie intake when enjoying these pastries.
- If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before including Almond Tassies in your diet.
Remember that the nutritional values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.
