Kiwifruit Lime Tarts

Kiwifruit Lime Tarts Recipe - Sweet and Tangy Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 13 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Kiwifruit Lime Tarts are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of kiwifruit with the zesty taste of lime. These tarts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant colors and delicious taste.

History

The combination of kiwifruit and lime in a tart is a modern twist on traditional fruit tarts. Kiwifruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is native to China but is now grown in many countries around the world. Lime, on the other hand, is a citrus fruit that is widely used in cooking and baking for its tart flavor.

Ingredients

1 x 8 oz (227 g) package of softened cream cheese
0.5 cup of powdered sugar
2 tbsp of lime juice
0.25 tsp of grated lime peel
tart shells (see recipe below)
3 or 4 kiwifruit, pared and sliced
0.33 to 0.5 cup of melted apple jelly (optional)

How to prepare

In a small bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, lime juice, and lime peel until very light and fluffy.
Spoon or pipe about 1 tbsp of the mixture into each tart shell and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, top each tart with one slice of kiwifruit.
Drizzle each tart with about 1 tsp of melted apple jelly.
Return the tarts to the refrigerator.

Tart shells

Prepare the pastry according to your favorite recipe for a 2 crust (9 inches) pie.
For each tart shell, press about 1 tbsp of dough into a 2-inch fluted tart shell pan and prick the bottoms of the shells.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 12 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool the tart shells and remove them from the pans.

Variations

Substitute lemon juice and zest for the lime for a different flavor profile.
Use graham cracker crusts instead of traditional tart shells for a different texture.

Notes

Filling may become runny if left for any length of time with the kiwifruit. Add kiwifruit only when ready to serve.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy filling.

- Refrigerate the tarts before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Drizzle the tarts with melted apple jelly for a glossy finish.

- Use fresh kiwifruit for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kiwifruit Lime Tarts chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Beat the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy for a smooth filling.

- Bake the tart shells until golden brown for a crisp base.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer filling.

- Use honey or agave nectar instead of powdered sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tart shells and cream cheese filling ahead of time and assemble the tarts just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the kiwifruit slices in a decorative pattern on top of the tarts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Kiwifruit Lime Tarts with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kiwifruit Lime Tarts contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kiwifruit Lime Tarts contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kiwifruit Lime Tarts contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kiwifruit Lime Tarts contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Lime is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and gluten (tart shells). It may also contain nuts if using a nut-based tart shell.

Summary

Kiwifruit Lime Tarts are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamin C and fiber. They make a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Kiwifruit Lime Tarts are a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy filling and tangy fruit topping, these tarts are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret who lived in a charming little cottage by the sea. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the sweet and tangy aroma of kiwifruit and lime filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Margaret was bustling around the kitchen, her hands moving with practiced ease as she chopped, stirred, and baked. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of Kiwifruit Lime Tarts, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother who had learned it from her grandmother before her.

As Margaret worked, she shared the story behind the recipe with me. It was a family favorite, passed down through the generations and treasured for its unique combination of flavors. The tartness of the kiwifruit paired perfectly with the zesty lime, creating a refreshing and delicious dessert that was perfect for summer gatherings.

I was captivated by the history and tradition behind the recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Margaret graciously agreed to teach me, and together we spent the afternoon baking tarts and swapping stories.

As I measured and mixed, I listened intently as Margaret shared her tips and tricks for creating the perfect Kiwifruit Lime Tarts. She explained how to select the ripest kiwifruit, how to zest a lime just right, and how to bake the tart shells to a golden perfection.

I absorbed every detail, eager to replicate the recipe in my own kitchen. Margaret's hands-on approach to teaching was invaluable, and I was grateful for her patience and guidance as I stumbled through the process.

After a few hours of baking and laughing, our tarts were finally ready. The kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of warm pastry and tangy fruit, and my stomach growled in anticipation of the first bite.

I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor, and as I took my first bite of the Kiwifruit Lime Tart, I was transported to a world of flavor and nostalgia. The tartness of the kiwifruit and lime danced on my tongue, while the buttery pastry crumbled in my mouth. It was a taste sensation like no other, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Kiwifruit Lime Tarts became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, delighting in the smiles and compliments of those who tasted them. Each time I baked the tarts, I thought of Margaret and the special bond we shared over a simple recipe passed down through generations.

As the years passed, I continued to make Kiwifruit Lime Tarts, adding my own twist here and there to make them my own. I experimented with different crusts, fillings, and toppings, always striving to perfect the recipe that had captured my heart so many years ago.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scent of kiwifruit and lime, I can't help but smile at the memories and traditions that have shaped my love for cooking. The recipe for Kiwifruit Lime Tarts may have come from Margaret, but it has become a part of me, a reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives. And for that, I am eternally grateful.