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Pomegranate Tartlets

Pomegranate Tartlets

Despite having a record breaking season and the number one offense in the NFL, The Broncos just couldn’t close the deal on the big game. In fact, judging by the way they played, they saved their worst game of the season for the Super Bowl. How disappointing for the millions of fans and Denver, but Broncos fans aren’t fickle, so we are still proud of them. Today’s a new day and we’re all over it and looking forward to the next season.

In other exciting news, today is my 3rd blog anniversary! Wow. I cannot believe it’s been three years since I published my first post. I had no plan, no direction, I thought of a name, wrote about what I loved; coffee, and pressed “publish.”

Pomegranate Tartlets

I remember taking a long time to decide whether I wanted do this. I didn’t want to start something I couldn’t commit to and I didn’t have much time to devote to it. However, after months of not having a proper grown up conversation, and finding that I couldn’t hold a pen let alone formulate a sentence to write, I decided I had to start this just for my sanity.

At that point, I wasn’t concerned if anybody was reading my ramblings; I was just enjoying the thrill of writing again. Life in general and time constraints made it difficult for me to be regularly posting and my first year was a wash.

However, I continued to read my favourite blogs and what I noticed with mine was that people were coming to me searching for something. That’s when I realised that people were reading my nonsense, searching for recipes and some were even commenting!

When I started blogging, I never thought about the fantastic community and friends that come with it. The more I discovered new friends in far away lands, the more addicting the writing, developing, photographing and posting became. Today, I am happy to say that some of my best friends are ones I’ve never met before.

I am truly thankful to my readers, to my fellow bloggers and my friends who support, encourage and inspire me. Thank you for thoughtful comments, your friendly emails and the Facebook chats I share with so many of you. They are the best of times.

Pomegranate Tartlets

At this point I am happy with my blog. It’s not a huge site with a huge following, but I am happy because I get out of it exactly what I put in.

So, here I am 3 years on, enjoying it a lot more, making time for it and making the best friends ever. Thank you to all of you.

Since my blogiversary falls in February when all the Valentine’s Days treats start appearing, I always do a double duty post. My celebratory dessert is usually always pink or red. This year, it’s Pomegranate Tartlets. Oh my, were these good. We gobbled them up quite quickly and then my son licked the bowl with the leftover pomegranate pastry cream, squeaky clean!

My original pastry was going to be a pistachio crust against the pink, but then I saw a recipe for a browned butter pastry crust in the current edition of Saveur. It sounded intriguing and I wanted to have a go making it and since I was making these tartlets anyway, I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone (what a horrible saying that is). I did have to adapt the recipe slightly to make enough for my tartlets.

Browned Butter Pastry

The browned butter recipe was good, not fantastic, by any means but it had a lovely shortbread flavour. It was easy to work with and if you don’t like rolling pastry and then cutting circles for your tartlet pans, then you’ll love this one. This pastry is just patted into the pans while still warm; no need to chill it and wait before rolling. I just lined the pans with the pastry, baked them off (didn’t even have to use beans) and put them aside till the next day to fill and serve. It is a time saver for sure. I would make the pastry cream a day ahead, if possible too, so it has time to chill and set up. The next day, it’s as easy as fluffing up the pastry cream, dolloping into the ready pastry shells and sprinkling fresh pomegranate arils liberally over the top.

These Pomegranate Tartlets are perfect for celebrations because they are so elegant looking and so delicious, and easy to make.

Pomegranate Tartlets

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Pomegranate Tartlets

Serves: 6

Calories: 3745

Fat: 215g

Buttery pastry filled with creamy, pomegranate cream and topped with fresh pomegranate arils.
Ingredients
Pomegranate Pastry Cream
  • 3 large egg yolks, organic
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch, organic
  • 1 cup heavy cream, organic
  • pinch salt
  • 2 cups pomegrante juice, pure
  • 4 tablespoons, cane sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1-2 pomegranates, one large is enough.
Browned Butter Pastry
  • 7 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cane sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1½ cups/225g all purpose/plain flour
Instructions
Pomegranate Pastry Cream
  1. In a medium heat proof bowl, mix the egg yolk, cornstarch, salt and heavy cream together to make a paste.
  2. In a sauce pan, heat 1½ cups of pomegranate juice and sugar together until just boiling.
  3. Slowly drizzle the hot juice onto the paste, a little at a time until slightly thickened and incorporated.
  4. Add the mixture back into the pan through a sieve and cook on low heat until thickened into a cream like consistency.
  5. Add the extra pomegrante juice to thin out if necessary, I used about an extra ¼ cup to thin out a bit.
  6. Add the butter, mix through and cover with plastic wrap right on top of the cream and let chill for at least 4 hours or over night.
Browned Butter Pastry
  1. Preheat oven to 400F/180C
  2. In an ovenproof bowl, mix the butter, oil, water, salt and sugar together.
  3. Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and slightly browned around the edges.
  4. Carefully remove the bowl and add the flour.
  5. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  6. Allow to cool a little so you can handle it.
  7. Divide into six balls for the tartlet shells, I used the standard 4" tartlet pans.
  8. Pat dough into the pans, pressing gently on the bottom and sides to get an even thickness.
  9. Prick the pastry all over, it will puff up considerably so carefully and without tearing the pastry, prick the sides and bottom.
  10. Place on a sheet pan and place in the oven for 15 minutes.
  11. They will be puffy when they come out, press them down gently and place on a rack to cool and settle.
  12. Store covered once cooled if not using right away.
  13. When ready to fill, dollop two tablespoons or so, of the pomegrante pastry cream into the cooled shells.
  14. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and enjoy.
Notes
I just used a 16oz bottle of POM juice. You can of course, squeeze your own if you so wish. You may not need all 2 cups, but you can thin the pastry cream to the consistency you like. I left it on the thick side but used a ¼ to thin out slightly. It was still nice and custardy and creamy. There was ¼ cup left, I drank it. You will have a little bit of custard left over but its great to eat as is or even on toast.
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Pomegranate Tartlets

Having celebrated three years blogging, I am now going to have to mention that I am taking a little break. I have been pretty good about regularly posting for the last year or so and I just need a break to recharge, recoup and just gain some inspiration.

My posts will be erratic, once a week or maybe once a month, but I think I need the rest and to enjoy eating without a camera by my side or my mind continuously on blog over drive. I will still be visiting my blogger friends so you don’t forget me! If you subscribe to my emails, you will know when I post. I’m not going to force you to subscribe because that’s not my way, but please do if you’d like to keep in touch. Facebook friends, we will be chatting so don’t make yourself invisible!

Thank you once again for all your love, encouragement and support! I look forward to many more years of blogging and your friendship. See you soon my friends, have a wonderful February.


Comments

  5. Happy bloggaversary!!! Have loved reading your posts, and will look forward to the email to say you have posted another blog! Enjoy your rest and thank you so much for your thoughts, musings and beautiful recipes! Xxx

  11. Happy THIRD blogiversary Naz!!!! Woop! That’s definitely a feat, particularly when thinking of the challenges that you’ve faced during that time. Love the look of these elegant, jewel-covered tarts. Perfect for valentines day or any special celebratory occasion. Gorgeous flavours and colours.

    Have a restful, well-earned break. I definitely know what you mean about the demands of blogging… the brain never stops! See you when you return xxx
    laurasmess recently posted..Seared Salmon with Herbed Roast PotatoesMy Profile

  15. Happy blogiversary! What a perfect time for me to find your blog (and I’m so glad that I did!). I honestly don’t know that I have ever, ever seen a more startlingly gorgeous photo of pomegranate arils! Just beautiful! And I totally agree with your comments about blogging being a way to find wonderful friends (that you’ve never even met!) – it’s such a great, supportive and positive community! Have a fantastic week! 😀
    Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens recently posted..Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Corn ChowderMy Profile

  16. Oh what beautiful tartlets, Nazneen! I love easy tart crusts and yours sounds like a dream to work with! And those pomegranate arils….they’re like you….jewels! Happy blogiversary! I love your blog, your recipes and your stunning photography. And I appreciate all the inspiration you’ve given me over time. I look forward to many more years of your friendship and your amazing posts! : )
    Anne@FromMySweetHeart recently posted..Chocolate Strawberry Truffle CakeMy Profile

  17. Congrats lovely one! 3 years wow.. it feels like I’ve had my blog forever and I know how hard it is to keep it up especially when you get busy. And you especially are always so regular with your beautiful posts and beautiful pictures- kudos to you! The tartlets look gorgeous, love the little red pomegranate seeds- like rubies! I wish I had a special someone I could make this for .. might just make this for myself and moan over romantic vids 😉
    shuhan recently posted..NONG, the farm on a rooftop carpark. And, my fermentation workshop!My Profile

  20. Dear Nazneen, happy third blogiversary! So much work, dedication, fantastic recipes and much more! Your fabulous personality comes through in each and every post – so I will most certainly keep my eyes glued for when you return! Enjoy your break – sometimes it is necessary to just step back from things and get a fresh perspective! Having said that your pomegranate tartlets look so very elegant and so delicious – what a nice combination of flavors! And I love your mini tart pans – they are some of my favorite pans to bake in too!
    Feel yourself hugged – do take care of yourself and enjoy your time off!
    Andrea
    TheKitchenLioness recently posted..“River Cottage Veg Everyday” – Kale (spinach) and onion pizzaMy Profile

  21. Your double duty tarts look very colorful and I can gobble them up 2-3 in one go. And Congratulations on your 3rd blogiversary and looking forward for many more. Your blog is doing great and I think you gave pretty good time to it and you needed a break. Enjoy!
    Balvinder recently posted..Everyday Green SmoothieMy Profile

  22. Happy birthday for cofeeandcrumpets :). Woow 3 already!! I guess time flies by .. You have such a wonderful blog. You cracked me up talking about how you started your blog… living 24/7 with young ones sometimes makes moms creative :). Your tartlets look amazing.
    Amira recently posted..Oozy … from SyriaMy Profile

  25. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! WOW 3 years, that’s awesome.
    I am so glad to have met you through our and many lovely bloggers, it’s amazing. I’ve learnt and am inspired by all your wonderful cooking.
    These tarts are so fancy and the pomegrate is like a jewel topping. So pretty.
    What was that game all about, right?..my little one was quite disappointed too.
    Ash-foodfashionparty recently posted..DOSA- A SOUTH INDIAN SPECIALITYMy Profile

  26. Happy Blogiversary! Glad you’re enjoying writing the blog — I certainly enjoy reading it. Sorry the Broncos has such a bad game. It happens, of course, but always a downer when a team saves their worst performance for their biggest game. Anyway, lovely dessert! Looks wonderful, and I’ll bet the flavor is outstanding. Thanks.
    John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..The Pink Lady CocktailMy Profile

  29. Happy Bloggoversary Nazneen! I always look forward to your unique recipes and gorgeous photographs. So, i am very happy you have continued blogging and continue to do so for many many years 🙂

    Looking at those pomegranates reminded me of my entire pregnancy and how that was one of the only fruit I could eat due to severe nausea. Oddly enough, I am still obsessed with pomegranates and I am quite sure i would go crazy for these tartlets 🙂
    cakewhiz recently posted..Valentine’s day fruits with messagesMy Profile

  33. Happy 3rd year of blogging, Nazneen! I love your pretty tartlets – they are perfect for the occasion and for the month of February! : ) I’m glad to have discovered your blog – I enjoy seeing your recipes and hearing a bit of what’s going on in your world. When I first started blogging, I kept to myself for a long time. When I started branching out, I also discovered a world of kind, like-minded people, and it’s so much more fun to have people to talk to. : ) I look forward to seeing all that’s to come from your lovely spot here.

    PS- sorry about the Broncos. That was a tough one but there’s always next year!
    Monica recently posted..Palmiers with orange zest (and a little dark chocolate)My Profile

  34. I’m so sorry the Broncos played their worst game of the season at the Super Bowl. What a shocker. Never mind; making it to the final is a huge accomplishment. Congrats on three years of blogging. What a ride! And your pomegranate individual little tarts are just gorgeous. Fabulous for Valentine’s Day too. Enjoy your break and I’ll look forward to keeping in touch via FB xx
    Hotly Spiced recently posted..Twilight at TarongaMy Profile

  36. Happy third Nazneen! I missed mine – was back in November and I was somewhere in… Denmark or Norway on the actual day so no celebration for me. I’ll celebrate the fourth instead I think!

    These tarts look lovely – is brown butter worth it? It seems to be the “thing” these days and I’m late to the party… never tried it despite some places raving about it.
    Charles recently posted..Pasta-less Lasagne and the giveaway winner is…My Profile

  37. Congratulations on your third year Blogiversary! pomegranate tartlets looks wonderful…
    Well we share of a lot of common stories I guess.. I was sailing in the direction as you…not knowing if I could ever continue blogging having a two and half year old and full time job and regular guests over the weekends, but as said I started noticing people leaving comments and my own cousins and friends trying out my recipes and calling to thank me.. Well that was it, however hard it is for me to jot down two lines.. I am still keeping my blog alive :). Its a good satisfaction when we have something to post regularly…
    Keep up the great work.. I am sure there will be many more followers and admirers down the lane!
    P.S. I did check out the aloo palak version of yours.. I will try your recipe for sure.
    Deepti recently posted..Aloo Palak sabji (spinach potato side dish)My Profile

  39. Congratulations, Nazneen! Three years is awesome! As I read your post today, it really resonated with how I have felt getting into the blogging community – I have these amazing friends (you included, natch) that I have never met. One by one, I hope to meet all… Valentine’s Day will mark my 4th anniversary… it hardly seems possible, especially since I never wanted to do a blog at all. It was my friend, Doreen, who wanted to do this and I did it with her to keep her company. Her life changed and she left pretty early on. Now it is just me and I love it. I am sorry you are taking a break, but I know I will see you on Facebook and on Cocoa & Lavender. And maybe in Denver! Enjoy your downtime, and know I will always be here ready to read your posts whenever they come…

    P.S. – I am sorry about the Broncos, but I love your attitude!
    David recently posted..The Kindness of StrangersMy Profile

  40. Wow, that is quite a milestone daaaaahling, I am so proud of you. Its hard to keep a blog going strong for that long, and to still constantly come up with something new and exciting. But you’ve done it with flying colors. I hope to be reading this blog in another 10 years!
    *kisses* H

  47. Happy 3rd blogversary, Nazneen!!!
    You are indeed right – this blogging community is a pretty amazing bunch! I am so glad to have stumbled on your site and to follow along.

    These tartlets are delectable – that pomegranate pastry cream sounds incredible! So incredible I so wish my monitor was a scratch and taste! Cannot wait for technology to catch up with my “needs” 🙂
    Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com recently posted..Black Lentil SoupMy Profile

  48. Happy 3rd Blogiversary and looking forward to many more! This is just an amazing little tart. I bet this Pomegranate pastry cream is to die for and with the little fresh ones on top a great texture combination. Creamy and vibrant. I have to pin this one to try for later. Great post. Take Care, BAM
    Bam’s Kitchen recently posted..Beef and Peppers in Black Bean SauceMy Profile

  49. I went to my first Superbowl Party yesterday morning at the ungodly hour of 7am and I can safely say I’m not a convert. I’ll be stick to proper football and watching Manchester United especially after seeing that David Beckham ad!!!!
    Congratulations on your 3rd birthday and these gorgeous tartlets – I’m a sucker for anything pomegranate. Enjoy your break and see you when you get back x
    nancy@jamjnr recently posted..In My Kitchen, February 2014My Profile

  50. These are so pretty Nazneen! You seem to love pomegranates. I don’t but the irony is that I am eating one right now. 3 years is a long time to do something. Kudos to you and congratulations on your wonderful milestone, my friend. I have lost count of the times your recipes and photographs have made my mouth water. But most of all, I love the voice behind your posts..makes me feel like I have known you since ages. I think it is important to take a break once in a while but I will be greatly looking forward to your posts.
    The tartlets are perfect for the season and I LOVE the way you styled them. Stunning little beauties!
    Sugar et al recently posted..Coconut Poached Salmon (Curry in a Hurry)My Profile

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