Do we want to add some color to this Carnival? Here I propose the Harlequin Mask Tart, an original way to brighten your tables with a healthy dessert suitable especially for children thanks to its crumbly shortcrust pastry and genuine jams. In fact, I use homemade jams, but there are equally good ones available on the market.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 45 Minutes
- Portions: 6/8 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 9 tbsp butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 4 tbsp blackberry jam
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 kiwi (about 5 oz)
- 1 tbsp sugar (leveled)
Preparation
On a work surface, place the flour, eggs, sugar, softened butter, and knead the ingredients without overworking them. Form a ball and put it in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the Harlequin mask mold. I drew it freehand with a pencil on a sheet of parchment paper. My mask is about 14.5 inches wide and about 8.5 inches high. Cut out the edges with scissors.
Take the shortcrust pastry out of the fridge, divide it into two parts (two-thirds and one-third) and roll out the larger part with a rolling pin to a height of about 1.5-2 inches. I recommend rolling out the shortcrust pastry on a sheet of parchment paper or transferring it right after rolling, to prevent moving the mask and risking breaking it.
Place the mask figure on top, with a knife cut out the shape leaving at least half an inch around the figure, also cut out the eyes.
With the remaining shortcrust pastry prepare rather thin cords.
Place the cut-out shortcrust pastry (placed on the parchment paper) already on the baking tray and continue the preparation. Place the shortcrust pastry cords on the edges of the mask (slightly wet the surface of the shortcrust pastry with a bit of water to make them adhere better), inside forming diamonds and complete it as shown.
Slightly press the cords at the point where they cross and make them adhere well to the surface of the shortcrust pastry.
Wash, peel, cut the kiwi into four parts and put it in the blender with a tablespoon of sugar. Blend it until it becomes a smooth mixture, pass it through a strainer to remove the seeds.
Put the four jams in separate bowls and fill the spaces trying to alternate the colors. For the mask, I used the blackberry jam.
Bake at 350°F for about 20/25 minutes.
Suggestions/Tips
To make the strawberry jam redder, you can add a few drops of coloring.
Depending on the thickness of the mask, you might have leftover shortcrust pastry. In that case, you can make cookies or small jam tarts.
I recommend placing the shortcrust pastry on parchment paper when you roll it out or transfer it right after rolling, to avoid moving the mask and risking breaking it.
If you liked the Harlequin Mask Tart, try other Carnival recipes:
