Strawberry Custard Tarts...aka.Timtarts!

Well, isn't that a pretty picture? ...if I do say so myself. 

I'm not sure if Tim Horton's still make Timtarts in all parts of Canada in the spring, but I remember them fondly even though it's been years since I had one. I happened on the old Timtarts commercial from 1980 while surfing YouTube the other day.



I ate more than my share of these tarts when I was a kid and today they served as my inspiration for a homemade version of this very presentable and yummy dessert. No offense to Timmy's but mine are even better. ;)

Makes about 12 large tarts

Pastry

2 1/4 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup soft butter

1/3 cup white sugar

1 extra large egg, lightly beaten

Cream the butter and sugar well before adding the beaten egg and beating for an additional minute. Add the flour and salt and mix just until a dough forms. Separate the dough into two rounds, wrap them in plastic wrap and let them rest in the fridge for about an hour before rolling out the dough ans cutting out circles with a large biscuit cutter or something of sufficient size for the tart pans you are using. Chill the pans in the fridge for about 20 minutes before stabbing several holes in the bottom of each tart pastry and baking in a 400 degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Vanilla Custard

Scald in the microwave or on the stovetop:


3 cups whole milk


Microwave works best as there is no chance of burning the milk.


Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine


1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt


Over medium flame slowly add the scalded milk whisking constantly.Continue to cook over medium heat until mixture begins to slightly thicken. At this point remove from heat and pour about a half cup of this mixture onto


3 slightly beaten extra large egg yolks


whisking constantly. Pour the egg mixture immediately back into the pot, continuing to constantly stir. Cook for an additional minute or two until pudding consistency and remove from the flame.


Stir in


4 tbsp butter

2 tbsp good quality vanilla extract

Cool completely in the fridge.

To Construct the Tarts

Place a whole strawberry in the center of each pastry shell. Transfer the custard to a piping bag or just a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. In a circular motion, starting at the base, pipe the custard all the way around the strawberry to completely conceal it. Next, place strawberry halves on top of the custard all over the surface of the tart.

At this point, you can brush a little strawberry  glaze on the strawberry halves if you like.

Strawberry Glaze

1/2 cup strawberry jam

1 tbsp water

Microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, and brush over the strawberry halves on top of the tarts.

Click here to join us on Rock Recipes Facebook Group.