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What is Pasta Flora (Jam Tart)

Pasta Flora Flavor and Texture Profile 

1. Crust: The crust of a jam tart is typically made from a shortcrust pastry dough, known for its tender and crumbly texture. This dough is made from flour, butter, sugar, and a touch of salt, mixed together to form a rich, flavorful base. When baked, the crust becomes golden brown, providing a delightful contrast to the vibrant jam filling. The shortcrust pastry provides a buttery, slightly sweet base with a satisfying crunch and melt-in-the-mouth quality.

2.  Filling: The heart of a jam tart is its luscious jam filling. The apricot jam is smooth and glossy, with a consistency that spreads easily yet stays in place within the tart shell. The jam offers a burst of sweetness with a hint of tartness, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry. The flavor is intense and fruity, capturing the essence of the fruit in a concentrated form.

3.  Appearance: Jam tarts are visually appealing, often showcasing a bright, jewel-toned center surrounded by a rustic, golden crust. They can be made in individual tartlet sizes or as a larger tart that can be sliced into wedges.

Uses & Serving:

1. Dessert: Jam tarts are a delightful dessert on their own, perfect for ending a meal with a sweet note.
2. Tea Time: They are a classic choice for afternoon tea, pairing wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
3. Snack: They make an excellent snack for any time of the day, offering a quick and satisfying bite.

Pasta Flora Backstory 

During the height of the apricot season, which typically extends from mid-April to mid-June, my mother would lovingly craft this tart from scratch when apricots were abundant and in full bloom.

A day or two ahead of making Pasta Flora, my mother would batch homemade apricot jam, transforming a pile of bright orange apricots into a delightful confection in a spreadable form, a cherished tradition that celebrated the season’s bounty. On early summer evenings, my mother would invite her female neighbors over for afternoon tea, where she would present them with this delightful pasta frill, along with mint tea. They would gather on our balcony, overlooking the picturesque shores of the Mediterranean, savor the fresh breeze and the freshly baked Pasta Flora, and enjoy each other’s company.

While jam tarts are typically considered a treat rather than a healthy food, they do offer some benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

1. Source of Energy: Jam tarts provide a quick source of energy due to their carbohydrate content from both the crust and the jam. This can be particularly beneficial as a mid-afternoon snack to help sustain energy levels.
2. Nutrient Boost from Fruit: The jam filling, often made from fruits like apricots, strawberries, or raspberries, contains vitamins and antioxidants. These fruits can provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
3. Mood Enhancement: Enjoying a sweet treat like a jam tart can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This can lead to a temporary mood boost and contribute to overall mental well-being.
4. Social and Emotional Benefits: Sharing jam tarts during social gatherings or family occasions can enhance social bonds and create positive emotional experiences. The act of baking and sharing homemade treats can foster a sense of community and connection.
5. Portion Control: When made into small, individual tarts, jam tarts can help with portion control. Enjoying a single tart allows for indulgence without overconsumption, making it easier to manage caloric intake.

6. Homemade Ingredients: Making jam tarts at home allows for control over ingredients, which can lead to healthier choices. For example, using whole grain flour for the crust and homemade jam with less added sugar can increase the nutritional value of the tart.

Moderation is Key

While jam tarts can provide these benefits, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. Balancing treats like jam tarts with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will help maintain overall health and well-being.

How to Make Pasta Flora 

Making a jam tart is a straightforward and rewarding process. The tart crust is fairly easy to make. For a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious Pasta Flora jam tart from scratch, watch this video before following the recipe below. Don’t shy away from the tart shell-making part; it is much easier than you think. You will dump the tart ingredients in a food processor, and the latter will do all the work on your behalf. This tart shell is a Pâte Sucrée or a sweet crust that resembles the making of cookie dough. You will be amazed at how easily it comes together if you closely follow the recipe below.

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor.

The tart dough is ready when it comes together in a big mass in the food processor.

Wrap the tart dough with plastic film and keep it in the fridge for 1 hour at least.

Brush the bottom of the baking pan with butter.

Use your fingers to press the tart dough into the pan.

Poke the tart crust with a fork.

Use store-bought jam to save time.

Spread evenly the jam into the tart crust.

Use a pasty wheel to create ribbons to decorate the tart.

Lay the dough ribbon over the jam layer.

Lay the dough ribbon in a crisscross to create a decorative pattern.

Brush the tart top with egg wash.

Sprinkle granulated white sugar on top for some extra texture.

Bake until it is golden brown.

Cut in wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pasta Flora Freezing & Make Ahead 

Making Pasta Flora or this jam tart ahead of time involves a few key steps to ensure it stays fresh and delicious:

1. Prepare the Dough Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance. After making the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. It can typically be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days or frozen for longer in storage. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature slightly before rolling it out.
2. Prepare the Jam Filling: You can often prepare the apricot jam ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, or you can use a good quality store-bought apricot jam.
3. Assemble and Bake: Ideally, assemble and bake the tart as close to serving time as possible for optimal freshness. However, if you need to bake it ahead, consider these options:
   • Refrigerate before Baking: Assemble the tart (with crust and filling) and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
   • Freeze before Baking: Some tarts can be assembled and frozen (unbaked). Wrap the assembled tart tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, place it directly into the preheated oven (no need to thaw), but you may need to extend the baking time.
4. Storage after Baking: If you’ve baked the tart ahead of time, allow it to cool completely. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Before serving, bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly in a low oven.
5. Freshen Up Before Serving: Just before serving, you can add final touches such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh fruit garnishes.

By following these steps, you can successfully make a tart ahead of time without compromising its taste or texture. Adjust the method based on the specific type of tart you’re making and the ingredients involved.

Check Out More Pie recipes on my Blog.  

• Apple Pie 
• Pecan-Date Bites 

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• All product recommendations are independent and based on testing.
• This blog is an Amazon Associate. Some links contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a small commission, at no cost to you.

Disclaimer:Chez Nermine blog is an Amazon Associate. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Our commission doesn’t affect the  price of the product you purchase.

Pasta Flora (Jam Tart)

•  Non-stick 9” tart pan with detachable base 
•  Food processor 
•  Pastry wheel 
•  Silicon brush

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 
• 3/4 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 
• 1/2 cup sugar powder 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 1 cup apricot jam

•  1 egg 
• 1 teaspoon whole milk 
• A dash of cinnamon powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

• Granulated sugar (optional)

1. Combine the flour, fine salt, and cubed butter in the food processor. Pulse a few times until the cold butter is incorporated into the flour, and the mixture has a sandy texture.
2. Stir into the butter-flour mixture the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Run the food processor until a soft dough comes together.
3. Divide the dough into 1/3 and 2/3. Keep the 1/3 wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge while you spread with your hands the ⅔ dough in the tart pan. Make sure the sides are lined all the way up with a thick layer of dough.
4.  Evenly spread the apricot jam over the pie crust.
5.  Remove the 1/3 dough from the fridge. Dust your workstation with a thin layer of flour, and over it, roll out the chilled 1/3 dough to 1/4 thickness. With a pastry wheel, cut strips of 1/2 inch wide and 9″long. Arrange the dough ribbons vertically and then horizontally, as shown in the video.
6.  With a silicon brush, brush the lattice and the crust edges with the egg wash and dust them with some granulated sugar (optional).
7.  In a preheated oven at 360 F or 180 C, bake the pie for approximately 30 minutes or until the lattice tip has a golden tan.
8. Serve the tart warm, at room temperature, or cold. 
9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.