CRANBERRY-TOPPED LEMON TARTS

Cranberry-Topped Lemon Tarts image

The delicious combination of colors and tangy-sweet flavors makes this a very pretty, very special dessert. You'll be receiving a ton of compliments on your culinary expertise. -Ruth Lee Troy, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
TOPPING:
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
FILLING:
5 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice
4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/3 cup butter, cubed
GARNISH:
1 medium lemon, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir until dough forms a ball. Divide into eight portions; press each onto the bottom and up the sides of eight 4-in. tart pans. , Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks., In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until berries have popped, about 20 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, whisk the eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest until blended. Add butter; cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon., Transfer to a small bowl; cool. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Transfer berry topping to another bowl; refrigerate until serving. , Spoon filling into tart shells. Chill, uncovered, until set. For garnish, in a small saucepan, bring lemon slices, sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until lemon is tender. Cut slices in half; chill. , Just before serving, spoon cranberry topping over tarts. Garnish with lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 786 calories, Fat 34g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 572mg sodium, Carbohydrate 117g carbohydrate (88g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.