The Ace of Tarts

Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make me happy. When I discovered my grocery store had puff pastry sheets for the first time EVER, I was ecstatic. I could go out of my way to the big expensive grocery store to get them, but I hate doing that. I had to buy some immediately and make my favorite tarts. They are pretty and fancy-looking and ridiculously easy to make. Here’s how:

For the shell: With one sheet of pastry you can make one giant square or cut it to make four small squares, as in the picture. To make the tart shell, use a sharp knife to score a rectangle around the edge of the pastry, as though you were drawing a picture frame. Then poke the center square of the “frame” several times with a fork to keep it from puffing up. Even if the center puffs while baking, you can re-score the edge and press the center down.

Dampen the edge of the pastry shell with water and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake as directed on the package, about 10 -15 minutes at 400 degrees. Cool completely.

For the filling: Combine 4 oz. softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup plain yogurt, and the zest of one lime. Spoon mixture into tart shells. Top with your favorite fruit.

Enjoy!