Homemade Pop-Tarts

Husbands are funny.


And not even in a little kid "laugh-because-they-don't-know-better" kind of way.


Because they DO know better...


They're like adult children or something.


My husband and I got into a fight this afternoon on baseball and what counts as "an out". 


I'm sorry my religion isn't sports and I don't pray to the football God's every season.


Actually I kind of do (Go Packers!) But that's irrelevant...


He gets frustrated with me so I give up. If you're such a "genius" when it comes to sports, shouldn't you be able to explain it all?


I mean, what are you going to do when our kids are older and they ask about soccer and why that forsaken sport is 10 hours long!?


Anyways, my man-child husband inspired to me to make one of my childhood favorites: pop tarts.


These are a little time consuming but anything worth having is worth some effort.


Like marriage...




You are welcome to use your favorite pie dough... This is mine.


Tart Dough:
(makes 8-10 tarts)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 stick, or one cup, butter. Cut into pieces and chilled.
1/4 cup ice water, plus extra if needed




Filling:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
or:
Your Favorite jam or Nutella...
Plus 1 egg, whisked for brushing


In the bowl of your food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Once combined, add in the chilled butter and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form (with a small amount of larger pieces mixed in). This will take 10-15 seconds of pulsing. 

With the machine running, start with a 1/4 cup of ice water, and pour slowly (in a steady stream) through the tube of the processor. I always need around 2 tablespoons more following. You want your dough to come together but not be too wet. Test by squeezing a small amount of dough together. If it sticks and is not too crumbly you are all set.

Divide your dough into 2 equal portions and form each into a flattened disk and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour or up to overnight.

If you have chilled your dough overnight, make sure to let it sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes before using.


Place a piece of your dough on to a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle that is around 1/8" thick. You will want your rectangle large enough to trim to 9x12". Cut your rectangle in half horizontally (at the 4.5" mark) then vertically every 3 inches. Making 8-4.5x3" squares.

Carefully transfer 4 (bottom tarts) onto your baking sheet. Taking the whisked egg, lightly brush the tops (of the bottoms. HA!) 


Combine your ingredients if making the brown sugar filling, or if using jam, take 1 tablespoon of either and spread onto the bottom tart. Leaving around a 1/2" edge. Grab another rectangle and place on top, pushing down lightly to seal the edges. Press the tines of a fork around the edges of the rectangle and repeat. 
Half of the dough should provide you with 4 full tarts. 
Brush the tops of the tarts lightly with the egg was and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes until they are golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Glaze:
(if you like)
Combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to combine. Adjust the milk to more or less depending on your desired consistency.


Allow the tarts to cool before glazing. 


Now enjoy... the options are endless and even the strawberry would be great with a vanilla glaze and sprinkles. I like mine just plain.