I love pop tarts and I cannot lie. And it appears I am not the only one.
To Prepare:
To prepare, fix your homemade crust or use a favorite pre-made variation. I am still trying to get my Nana to write her recipe down. She often says she doesn't use recipes. She just knows when the product is in her hands. I love that sensibility and I endeavor to develop the same as I progress. That aside, one sure winner is this recipe from Williams-Sonoma.
While the pie dough is setting in the refrigerator if homemade, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare your fillings. Find below a few suggestions but anything goes!
Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick on a generously floured surface. Cut into desired shapes; here I used tiny rectangles. Arrange equal sized bottoms and tops on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spoon a little less than a teaspoon of filling onto the center of your bottom. Seal the pie with a rub of water around the edges. Crimp with a fork. Coat the top of each pie with a light coating of egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden, and bottoms are lightly crisped.
Fillings and a Basic Glaze:
Strawberry (berry): 1 cup of strawberries or desired berry, finely chopped. If you are making a larger pop tart, they need not be chopped so finely. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Meanwhile, whisk together 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch with 1.5 tablespoons water. Add to the berries and continue to stir until thickened. Add sugar to taste. Let cool before assembling tarts.
Apple: 3 Granny Smith apples, chopped to a small dice. Toss with 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice, and cinnamon and sugar to taste. Cook your apples along with1/2 teaspoon vanilla and two tablespoons of water over medium heat, stirring often until tender. I tend to top these with a glaze and crisped bacon!
Glaze: Whisk together 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar and 1 tablespoon liquid. I've used milk, but lemon juice works as well.
A few other of my favorites are pumpkin pie filling, simple fruit preserves, nutella, peanut butter, cinnamon and sugar and even Shepherd's Pie. If you are lacking inspiration, Joy the Baker probably has some to spare. The world is your oyster. Enjoy!