Mincemeatless Tartlets

Mincemeatless Tartlets Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Fruits and Spices

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Mincemeatless tartlets are a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional mincemeat pie, using a combination of fruits, nuts, and warm spices to create a flavorful and satisfying treat.

History

Mincemeat pies have been a popular dessert in England for centuries, with recipes dating back to the 15th century. Originally, mincemeat pies were made with a mixture of minced meat, suet, fruits, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more fruits and fewer meats, resulting in the modern version of mincemeat that we know today.

Ingredients

2 tart apples, peeled, cored and chopped
0.5 cup raisins
0.5 cup golden raisins
0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
0.5 cup dried cranberries or cherries
0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
0.25 cup packed light brown sugar
zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground allspice
1 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp cognac
8 frozen phyllo dough tart shells, baked as directed

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine apples, raisins, apricots, and cranberries or cherries.
In a large saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil and add brown sugar, lemon zest, spices, and dried fruit mixture. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes (add 0.5 cup of water if the liquid evaporates too quickly). Remove the pan from heat, stir in nuts and cognac, and set aside to cool.
Fill baked tart shells with the cooled fruit mixture and serve.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the filling for a boozy twist.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different fruits such as dried figs, dates, or prunes for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the fruits and nuts into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the tartlets.

- Adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste by adding more or less brown sugar.

- For a richer flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the mincemeatless tartlets warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious mincemeatless tartlets is to cook the fruit filling slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent burning and add water as needed to prevent it from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have phyllo dough tart shells, you can use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute. You can also use a mixture of different dried fruits based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit filling for the mincemeatless tartlets ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply fill the tart shells and bake them when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle the baked tartlets with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish them with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Mincemeatless tartlets pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. For a more indulgent pairing, serve them with a glass of dessert wine or a hot toddy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mincemeatless tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mincemeatless tartlets contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mincemeatless tartlets contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mincemeatless tartlets contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of mincemeatless tartlets contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mincemeatless tartlets are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium from the fruits and nuts used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and gluten from the phyllo dough tart shells. It may not be suitable for those with nut or gluten allergies.

Summary

Mincemeatless tartlets are a delicious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins from the fruits and nuts used in the recipe.

Summary

Mincemeatless tartlets are a delicious and festive dessert option that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional mincemeat pie, using a combination of fruits, nuts, and warm spices to create a flavorful and satisfying treat. Enjoy these tartlets warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Mincemeatless Tartlets. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through the old recipe box that my mother had passed down to me. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, one particular recipe caught my eye. It was for a unique dessert called Mincemeatless Tartlets.

I had never heard of such a thing before. Mincemeat, to me, had always been a savory dish made with ground meat and savory spices. But this recipe called for a sweet filling made with fruits, nuts, and spices. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

The recipe itself was simple enough, but the real magic came in the preparation. As I gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. I felt like I was being transported back in time to my grandmother's kitchen, where she would spend hours baking delicious treats for our family.

As the tartlets baked in the oven, the aroma grew stronger, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When they were finally done, I couldn't wait to try one. The first bite was like a burst of flavor in my mouth - sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these Mincemeatless Tartlets countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its unique and comforting flavors. And each time I make them, I am reminded of that cold winter day when I stumbled upon this hidden gem in my recipe box.

I like to think that the recipe for Mincemeatless Tartlets has a story of its own, just like all the other recipes in my collection. Perhaps it was passed down through generations, or discovered by chance in an old cookbook. Whatever its origins may be, I am grateful to have found it and made it a part of my own culinary repertoire.

As I sit here now, enjoying a freshly baked Mincemeatless Tartlet with a cup of tea, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and contentment. This recipe has brought me joy and comfort in times of need, and for that, I am truly grateful. And who knows, maybe one day I will pass it down to my own grandchildren, so that they too can experience the magic of Mincemeatless Tartlets.