birthday fruit tartlets: crust recipe

justine and i both share a love for fruit tarts - so for her birthday i decided to make some! the last time i made these, i really loved the pastry cream recipe i used - but i didn't like the crust so much. this time i used a different crust from joy of baking and it was perfect! not too crumbly or hard, just soft enough so that when you bite into it, the whole thing doesn't fall apart. i'll definitely be using this recipe again....maybe mango fruit tarts will be up next.

sweet pastry crust recipe

(adapted from joy of baking for mini tartlets)

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temp)

1/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 large egg (beaten)

directions:

1. beat the butter until softened, add sugar and beat until light and fluffy

2. gradually add in the beaten egg until incorporated

3. add flour + salt all at once and mix just until it forms a ball

4. divide and flatten the dough into 6 small disks 

5. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes

6. press into mini tartlet pans (use a non-stick spray first!)

7. cover and place in freezer for 15 minutes

8. remove and lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork

9. bake at 375F for 5 minutes and then reduce to 350F for another 10-12 minutes (or until golden)

10. cool completely before filling

i had enough pastry crust leftover to make probably one or two more tartlets, but i just rolled it out into a large cookie and topped that with pastry cream as well. enjoy!