Are you dreaming of cozy evenings and delicious festive treats? Then look no further! This recipe for mincemeat tarts from a jar is the perfect solution for those busy days leading up to the holidays. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum deliciousness. Perfect for a quick dessert, a delightful addition to your holiday spread, or even a thoughtful homemade gift, these little tarts are guaranteed to impress. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 jar (14 oz) ready-made mincemeat
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, if you're feeling ambitious!)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- 4-inch cookie cutter (or a knife for freehand cutting)
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles. If you don't have a cutter, simply use a knife to cut out roughly circular shapes. You should be able to get about 12 tarts from one package.
Step 2: Fill the Tarts
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of mincemeat into the center of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the mincemeat will bubble during baking.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Fold the pastry over the mincemeat to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them. Place the tarts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the tarts with the beaten egg. This will give them a lovely golden brown finish. Sprinkle with a little sugar for extra sweetness, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the mincemeat is bubbling.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature – they're delicious either way!
Tips for Perfect Mincemeat Tarts:
- Use high-quality mincemeat: The better the mincemeat, the better the tarts! Look for a mincemeat with plenty of fruit and spices.
- Don't overfill: Overfilling the tarts can cause them to leak during baking.
- For a crispier crust: Blind bake the pastry cases for a few minutes before adding the mincemeat.
- Get creative with shapes: Instead of half-moons, try making different shapes with your pastry cutter or knife.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg: This will enhance the warm, spiced flavor of the mincemeat.
- Use different types of pastry: Puff pastry or shortcrust pastry would also work well.
- Make mini tarts: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per tart, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: Approximately 8-10g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These are just estimates and will vary depending on the ingredients you use.
This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. The delicious combination of sweet and spiced mincemeat encased in flaky pastry is a truly delightful treat that is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating these simple yet elegant desserts. They're the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, making them ideal quick dinner ideas for the whole family. Happy baking!