Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises

                                                 Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises

Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises
Holiday Cooking Around the Worlds

Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises
Strawberries are a favorite Easter food in France.

Ingredients of Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises

Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises  Crust:
* 1 1/2 c. flour
* pinch of salt
* 1 tsp. sugar
* 4 tbsp. butter, chilled and cut into pieces
* 1 egg, slightly beaten
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises (France) Filling:
* 10 tsp. raspberry or strawberry preserves
* 2 lb. fresh strawberries, stems removed
* whipped cream or nondairy topping
* chocolate shavings (optional)

Preparation for Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises (France)
1. Preheat the oven to 325F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add butter to the flour mixture. With a fork or pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until small "pebbles" begin to form.
3. Add the egg and vanilla. When the dough begins to stick together, use your hands to shape it into two large balls. Wrap the balls in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin.
5. Place 10 miniature pie tins facedown
on the dough. Using a paring knife, cut around the tins. Transfer the dough to the tins. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cooked through.
6. Just before serving, spread 1 tsp. fruit preserves on the bottom of each tartlet. Top with 4 or 5 fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

Notes for Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises (France)
*If you do not have miniature tart tins, look for mini tart crusts (you'll need 10) in the freezer section at the local grocery store. Bake as directed on the package.

Strawberry Tartlets/Tartes aux Fraises (France)
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 10 to 15 minutes
Serves 10