Hello, Good News! Welcome to another article where we share with you some of the best recipes from around the world. Today, we are going to show you how to make one of the most popular and tasty treats from Guyana, the pine tart.
Pine tarts, also known as pineapple tarts, are short crust pastry pockets filled with spiced pineapple jam. They are sweet, tangy, and flaky, and make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Pine tarts are part of the holy trinity of Guyanese pastries, along with cheese rolls and patties. They are widely available in Guyanese bakeries and shops, but you can also make them at home with some simple ingredients and steps.
What You Need to Make Pine Tarts
The Ingredients
To make pine tarts, you will need two main components: the dough and the filling. The dough is a basic short crust pastry that is made with flour, butter, vegetable shortening, salt, and water. The filling is a homemade pineapple jam that is cooked with sugar, lemon juice, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You will also need an egg for brushing the tarts before baking.
Here is the list of ingredients you will need for making about 20 pine tarts:
- For the dough:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup of ice water, plus more as needed
- For the filling:
- One medium ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped (or one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (or one cinnamon stick)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- For brushing:
- One egg, lightly beaten
The Equipment
To make pine tarts, you will need some basic kitchen equipment such as:
- A food processor or a blender (for making the pineapple jam)
- A medium saucepan (for cooking the pineapple jam)
- A large mixing bowl (for making the dough)
- A pastry cutter or a fork (for cutting the butter and shortening into the flour)
- A rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
- A round cookie cutter or a glass (for cutting out the dough circles)
- A baking sheet (for baking the tarts)
- A pastry brush (for brushing the egg on the tarts)
- A wire rack (for cooling the tarts)
How to Make Pine Tarts Step by Step
Make the Pineapple Jam for the Filling
The first step in making pine tarts is to prepare the pineapple jam for the filling. You can use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe, but fresh pineapple will give you a more natural and flavorful jam. Here is how to make it:
- If you are using fresh pineapple, peel and chop it into large chunks. Remove any seeds or hard parts. If you are using canned pineapple, drain it well.
- Pulse the pineapple in a food processor or a blender until it is finely chopped but not pureed. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of crushed pineapple.
- Transfer the crushed pineapple to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, dark brown sugar, white sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the pineapple mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thick and most of the liquid has evaporated. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of jam. Do not overcook it or it will become too dry and hard.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Make the Short Crust Pastry Dough
The next step is to make the short crust pastry dough for the tarts. This is a simple and easy dough that only requires a few ingredients and some chilling time. Here is how to make it:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut them into the flour until you have coarse crumbs. You can also use your fingers, but work quickly to avoid melting the fat.
- Sprinkle the ice water over the flour mixture, one tablespoon at a time, and toss with a fork until the dough comes together. You may need more or less water depending on the humidity and the flour. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Make the Signature Pine Tart Shape
The final step before baking is to shape the pine tarts. Pine tarts have a distinctive triangular shape that is easy to make with a round cookie cutter or a glass. Here is how to do it:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 20 circles.
- Place about one tablespoon of pineapple jam in the center of each circle. Do not overfill or the jam will leak out during baking.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle. Press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and make a decorative pattern.
- Cut three small slits on the top of each tart to allow steam to escape.
- Place the tarts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Brush the tops of the tarts with the beaten egg for extra browning and shine.
Bake and Enjoy
The last step is to bake and enjoy your pine tarts. Here is how to do it:
- Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your pine tarts as they are or with some whipped cream or ice cream if you like.
A Table Breakdown of Pine Tarts Nutrition Facts
Pine tarts are delicious treats, but they are also high in calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. They are not very nutritious, so you should enjoy them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Here is a table breakdown of the nutrition facts for one pine tart (based on this recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 228 kcal | 11% |
| Fat | 10 g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 47 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g | 11% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18 g | – |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Pine Tarts FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Tarts Guyana Recipe
What are pine tarts?
Pine tarts are short crust pastry pockets filled with spicedpineapple jam and baked until golden and crisp. They are a popular and tasty treat from Guyana, a South American country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage.
How do you pronounce pine tarts?
Pine tarts are pronounced as /paɪn tɑrts/, with a long i sound and a soft r sound. You can listen to the pronunciation here: .
What is the origin of pine tarts?
Pine tarts are believed to have originated from the Dutch settlers who colonized Guyana in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Dutch introduced pastries and baking techniques to the local cuisine, which were adapted by the Guyanese people over time. Pineapple, a tropical fruit native to South America, was used as a filling for the pastries, creating the pine tart. Pine tarts are also influenced by other cultures that have contributed to Guyana’s history, such as African, Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Are pine tarts vegan?
Pine tarts are not vegan, as they contain butter, shortening, and egg in the dough. However, you can make vegan pine tarts by substituting these ingredients with vegan alternatives, such as plant-based butter, coconut oil, and flax egg. You can also use vegan sugar for the filling.
How do you store pine tarts?
Pine tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat them, you can microwave them for a few seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warm.
Can you make pine tarts with other fruits?
Yes, you can make pine tarts with other fruits besides pineapple. Some common variations include guava tarts, mango tarts, coconut tarts, and cherry tarts. You can use fresh or canned fruits for the filling, but make sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly.
What are some tips for making perfect pine tarts?
Here are some tips for making perfect pine tarts:
- Use cold butter and shortening for the dough, as this will help create a flaky and tender crust.
- Do not overwork the dough or add too much water, as this will make it tough and hard.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out, as this will prevent it from shrinking and cracking.
- Roll out the dough evenly and thinly, but not too thin or it will tear easily.
- Do not overfill the tarts or the jam will leak out during baking.
- Crimp the edges of the tarts well to seal them securely.
- Cut slits on the top of the tarts to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
- Brush the tops of the tarts with egg for extra browning and shine.
- Bake the tarts in a hot oven until golden and crisp.
What are some other Guyanese pastries?
Besides pine tarts, Guyana has many other delicious pastries that are worth trying. Some of them are:
- Cheese rolls: These are pastry rolls filled with cheese and baked until golden. They are often served with hot pepper sauce or ketchup.
- Patties: These are pastry pockets filled with minced meat, cheese, or vegetables and baked until crisp. They are similar to empanadas or turnovers.
- Salted fish cakes: These are fried patties made with salted fish, potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. They are often served with bread or roti.
- Tennis rolls: These are soft and fluffy bread rolls that are glazed with sugar syrup. They are often eaten with butter or cheese.
- Egg balls: These are boiled eggs that are coated with cassava flour batter and fried until golden. They are often served with mango sour or chutney.
Where can you buy pine tarts?
If you want to buy pine tarts instead of making them at home, you can find them in many Guyanese bakeries and shops around the world. You can also order them online from some websites that specialize in Guyanese cuisine. However, nothing beats homemade pine tarts that are fresh and warm from the oven.
Why are pine tarts called pine tarts?
Pine tarts are called pine tarts because they are made with pineapple, which is also known as pine in Guyana and some other Caribbean countries. The word pineapple comes from the Spanish word piña, which means pine cone, because of the fruit’s resemblance to a pine cone. The word tart comes from the French word tarte, which means a pastry with a filling.
Conclusion
Pine tarts are one of the most delicious and popular treats from Guyana. They are easy to make at home with some simple ingredients and steps. They are sweet, tangy, and flaky, and make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. If you love pineapple and pastry, you will love pine tarts.
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