Tarts

Two queries here ... I don't know if any of you know the Pampered Chef stuff - it works on the same lines as Tupperware so you go to a party and someone demonstrates the products - all kitchen equipment. I went to one recently and got the mini muffin tray and wooden stick thing which basically makes it easy to make mini tartlets. This is what I mean.

So my 2 questions:
Being a keen but lazy cook - do you know if you HAVE to double bake a tart? Do you really have to cook the pastry first empty and then bake it again with the filling in? Or can you just stick the filling in and bake it all together.

And does anyone have any nice ideas of fillings for my new little tartlets? I've tried apple and cinnamon, and ham and cheese so far ... about to try leek and cheese this afternoon. O the joys of being on maternity leave with Al booked in at the childminders!

Cheers,
Shan

Shan - go to Tesco's - buy tarts - relax - have your baby!


Sarah xxxxxx

[wendym]

I've got one of thise mini muffin trays, thay are fab, have used it loads, but mainly for muffins. Pampered Chef stuff is really good, also got the chopper, stoneware tray & batter mixer.

Have made mini quiches in it & you can also do mini apple crumbles, no need to double bake, just roll the pastry, use your twizzle stick & then pop in the filling.

Happy baking!!

Love Wendy xxx

[@@lisa@@]

another pampered chef fan here..
have been to loads of parties and got loads of their stuff.. i think it's great
i've got a couple of their recipe books.. i'll have a look through later and see if i can find any recipes for the mini muffin tray

lisa xx

[Scout]

Shan,

In answer to your question... Yes, it is always a good idea to bake the pastry first (just so it's slightly golden) then put the filling in and bake it properly. The reason you do this is because if you put a wet filling in an unbaked shell then the crust of the bottom usually doesn't cook well and ends up being soggy.

I make a lot of quiches and they're way better if you cook the pastry first.

Love Gillian xo

[wendym]

These are really small tins though Gillian, no more than an inch across, so I have never baked them first, when using the tin for mini quiches, but I would if I were making a larger quiche, although I love them, don't tend to make very often, as too much fat!! Saintly slimmer that I am....

Love Wendy xxx