CHERRY TARTS

Cherry Tarts image

At our house, we celebrate George Washington's birthday with this cherry dessert.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) pitted tart cherries
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
4 to 5 drops red food coloring, optional

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add enough water until dough forms a ball. Refrigerate for 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 450°. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut out eight 5-in. circles. Place each over an inverted custard cup on an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; flute edges. , Bake 10-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before removing tart shells from custard cups; cool completely on wire racks., For filling, in a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Drain cherries, reserving 1 cup juice. Set cherries aside. Stir reserved juice into sugar mixture until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cherries, butter, almond extract and food coloring if desired. Cool to room temperature. Spoon about 1/4 cup filling into each tart shell.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 166mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.