The first step to making jam tarts is to prepare the pastry. You’ll need to combine 225g of plain flour, a pinch of salt and 100g of butter in a mixing bowl until it forms a crumbly mixture. Next, add in a beaten egg and a tablespoon of cold water, mixing it all together to form a smooth dough. Once the dough is prepared, wrap it in cling film and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
While the pastry is chilling, you can move on to making the filling. The great thing about jam tarts is that you can use any jam or preserve that you like. So, whether you’re a fan of strawberry, raspberry, or even blueberry jam, the choice is completely up to you. Simply spoon a small amount of jam into each tart case once they’re baked and cooled.
After 30 minutes, remove the pastry from the fridge and preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of around 3mm. Use a circular cutter to cut out circles of pastry and place them into a greased muffin tin. Prick the base with a fork to prevent the pastry from puffing up during baking and bake in the oven for around 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once the tarts are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a spoon to fill each tart case with your chosen jam or preserve. These treats can be enjoyed right away, or you can store them in an airtight container for later use.
Now, let’s move on to making some homemade preserves. This recipe can be used for any fruit that you like, but we’ll be using strawberries in this case. To make the preserve, you’ll need to combine 500g of strawberries (hulled and quartered), 500g of granulated sugar, a splash of lemon juice and 50ml of water in a large saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer for around 30-40 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This will depend on whether you prefer a runnier or thicker preserve.
Once the preserve is ready, transfer it into sterilised jars and let it cool down completely before sealing the jars. You can store the jars in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
And there you have it, a basic recipe for jam tarts and preserves. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack or you want to impress your friends and family with homemade treats, these recipes are sure to do the trick. So, get baking and enjoy!