Strawberry Rhubarb Tarts Recipe

Pastry Crust: In a food processor, place the flour, salt, and sugar and process until combined. Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal (about 15 seconds). Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) water in a slow, steady stream, through the feed tube until the dough just holds together when pinched. Add remaining water, if necessary. 

Turn the dough out onto your work surface and gather it into a ball. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, flatten each portion into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour (or until firm). (This will chill the butter and allow the gluten in the flour to relax.)

While the pastry is chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the pastry has chilled sufficiently, remove the two disks of pastry from the refrigerator and divide each disk into four equal portions (you will have eight portions altogether). On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of pastry into about a 7 inch (18 cm) circle. Place the eight pastry circles (four on each sheet) onto the prepared baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to firm up the pastry while you prepare the filling.

Strawberry Rhubarb Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cut up rhubarb, cut strawberries, flour, and sugar. 

Remove pastry from refrigerator. Place approximately 1/2 - 3/4 cup (120-180 ml) of filling in the center of each pastry circle, spreading the filling to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from edge of the pastry. Gently fold the edges of the pastry circle up and over the filling, leaving the center of the tart open. Press the edges gently so the pastry sticks together. Once all the tarts are assembled, cover and return to the refrigerator for about 15 - 30 minutes to chill.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Bake the tarts for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the crusts have browned and the juices are bubbly and starting to run out from the center of each tart. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool before serving. Serve with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Makes 8 individual tarts