Lemon Pear Poppy Seed Breakfast Tarts Food

HOMEMADE BREAKFAST TARTS

Steps:

• For the crust: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles tiny pebbles. Lightly beat the egg and add to the mixture. Next, add the cold water and vinegar. Stir until the dough just comes together but is still crumbly, using more water if necessary. Form the dough into a disc and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two sheet pans with parchment.
• On a floured surface, roll half of the dough out into a large rectangle, 12 inches by 16 inches. Cut the long side into 4-by-4-inch wide strips. Cut each strip in half across the middle, making 8 equally sized rectangles (4-by-6-inch).
• For the filling: Put 2 tablespoons of the jam into the center of four of the cut rectangles. With a pastry brush, brush egg wash around the edges. Place the remaining rectangle over the jam, crimping the edges with a fork to seal. Press lightly on the top to help distribute the jam evenly. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Repeat with the other half of the dough. Bake until barely golden, 16 to 18 minutes.
• For the glaze: Meanwhile, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl. Add the milk, jam and food coloring. Mix until smooth, then set aside.
• Remove the tarts from the oven and allow to cool, 20 minutes. Spoon over the glaze and top with sprinkles. Let the glaze set for 1 hour before bagging up.

PEAR-LEMON MARTINIS

Steps:

• Combine the lemon slices, sugar and vanilla in a resealable container; cover and shake vigorously until the lemon slices are coated. Set aside, shaking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 30 minutes. Smash the lemon slices with a fork to release the juices. Let sit 30 minutes, then refrigerate until ready to use.
• Fill 2 martini glasses with ice and set aside. Shake the lemons again, then strain the juice into a liquid measuring cup. Combine the vodka, vermouth, pear nectar and 1 1/2 ounces of the lemon syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and stir until cold. Discard the ice in the martini glasses and strain the drink into the chilled glasses. Garnish with pear slices and lemon twists.

LEMON AND POPPY SEED TARTLETS

Steps:

• Make tart shells:
• Pulse together flour, confectioners sugar, salt, and poppy seeds in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk together yolk, water, and lemon juice in a bowl, then add to processor and pulse until pea-size lumps form and dough holds together when squeezed. (Dough will appear slightly crumbly.)
• Press 1/4 cup dough evenly into each tart shell with floured fingers (dough will be moist) and lightly prick bottoms with a fork. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Put shells on a baking sheet and bake in lower third of oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack and, when shells are just cool enough to handle, carefully loosen edges with a thin knife and remove from pans.
• Fill tart shells and make topping:
• Fill each shell with 3 tablespoons lemon curd.
• Beat together cream with confectioners sugar and lemon juice in a bowl with an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks. Transfer to a pastry bag with a decorative tip and pipe onto curd (or dollop frosting with a spoon).