Strawberry tarts

This post was inspired by the lovely sunny weather we have been having and also because my mum made a batch of them yesterday...yum! 

 
This recipe is one my mum has used for a long, long time, with excellent results each time. The most important part to get right is the pastry which tastes a lot like shortbread, probably because of the semolina.You can get pre-made pastry cases from places like Marks and Spencers, but where's the fun in that?!

Pastry cases (makes 16) :
 4 oz plain flour
2 oz caster sugar
2oz fine semolina
4 oz butter (at room temperature)

* Combine all ingredients and work all together into a dough. Place dough in a polythene bag and rest in the fridge for 20 minutes.


* Roll out onto floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness then cut out 2 5/8 in circles and place in individual foil cake tins. 


*Prick each pastry case thoroughly around the base and sides with a fork, then bake at the centre of the oven at 150 degrees or until firm and golden.


* Once they have finished cooking, transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.


Now for the best part...the filling! As it is (supposedly) summer, we decided to add the classic combination of freshly cut strawberries and whipped cream to the pastry cases. 


This just looks like summer to me! 


Add whipped cream to the pastry cases.


 Add strawberries et voila! Beautiful strawberry tarts that are the perfect accompaniment to light summer meals. 


Obviously you can change the filling to suit...I am imagining caramelised nectarines or peaches or maybe mini tarte tatins? I will have to experiment ;) 



Do you have any recommendations for some sweet summer treats? What flavours would you try?
 

6 comments

Ella said...

this looks lovely!
i just picked my own strawbs so may have to give this a go
belle xx
ellabellevintage.blogspot.com

Maria Fallon said...

I'm sure it will taste even nicer with freshly picked strawberries! YUM!

Maria xxx

Leia said...

That looks so very YUMMY!

Leia's Delights

Maria Fallon said...

Leia, they really were! :)

Maria xxx

Tamanna A. Shaikh said...

Ohh wow I think I'd love trying the recipe! You made this look so simple and yum!! Following you for more! :)

Rick said...

Your mom/mum's recipe looks great! I love anything with shortbread.