Apricot Tassies

🍑 Apricot Tassies: A Delightful Treat 🍑

Apricot Tassies are delectable bite-sized pastries that combine the sweetness of apricots with the flakiness of a pastry crust. These treats are a perfect blend of fruity goodness and buttery richness. Let’s dive into the history, components, steps to prepare them, and the time needed:

📜 History:
Apricot Tassies are a variation of the classic “tassie” or “tassie tart.” Tassies are believed to have originated in the United States, where they became popular as bite-sized desserts in the mid-20th century. The name “tassie” is thought to come from the Scottish word “tassie,” which means a small cup or goblet, alluding to their miniature size.

🧁 Components:
To make Apricot Tassies, you will need:

• Pastry Dough: Typically made with flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Apricot Filling: A sweet mixture of dried apricots, sugar, water, and sometimes lemon juice for added zing.
• Optional Enhancements: You can add a touch of almond extract or chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) for extra flavor and texture.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare Apricot Tassies:

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:

   • Combine flour, softened butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
   • Mix until the dough forms.
   • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. Make the Apricot Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine chopped dried apricots, sugar, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat until the apricots are soft and the mixture thickens.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Assemble the Tassies:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll the chilled dough into small balls and press each into the cups of a mini muffin tin to form a pastry shell.

4. Fill with Apricot Mixture:

   • Spoon the cooled apricot filling into each pastry shell, leaving a little space at the top.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the Apricot Tassies to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Optional Garnish:

   • You can optionally dust them with powdered sugar or garnish with chopped nuts for an extra touch of elegance.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes for dough and filling.
• Chilling: 30 minutes.
• Baking: 15-20 minutes.
• Cooling: Allow some time for them to cool completely.

In total, you can expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish to prepare these delightful Apricot Tassies. They’re perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging in a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy! 🍽️🥮😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Tassies:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately one tassie):

• Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories
• Total Fat: 4-6 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-15 mg
• Sodium: 30-40 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
  • Sugars: 5-7 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

• Moderation: Apricot Tassies, like most pastries, are delicious but can be calorie-dense due to their buttery pastry and sugar content. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.

• Portion Control: It’s easy to eat several tassies in one sitting, so be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

• Fiber and Nutrients: While Apricot Tassies contain dried apricots, which offer some fiber and vitamins, the pastry itself is not a significant source of nutrients. Consider incorporating other fruits and whole grains into your diet for a broader range of nutrients.

• Added Sugar: Be aware that the sugar content in Apricot Tassies comes from both the pastry and the apricot filling. Excess added sugars in your diet can contribute to health issues, so consume sugary treats like these sparingly.

• Balanced Diet: To maintain a balanced diet, it’s essential to consume a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns (e.g., diabetes, gluten sensitivity), consider modifying the recipe to suit your needs. There are alternative sweeteners and gluten-free flour options available.

Remember that while Apricot Tassies can be enjoyed as a delightful treat, they are not a health food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.