I opened this year writing about my quest to forge a new, healthier me, and how I was nudged in this direction by some less than subtle hints in the form of health themed holiday gifts.
Thus far, over the course my now several week old journey, I have discovered something unexpected – at least in my own experience. I have found that while exercising and meal organization are obvious starting points for sculpting the latest and greatest version of myself, it is actually the less obvious items that make for the greatest stumbling blocks.
Overcoming the desire to pair ‘just a bite’ with my midday coffee is a losing prospect. Beating back that sudden late afternoon bout of hunger, which I have convinced myself will cripple my work ethic if it is not sated, requires Herculean willpower. Combine those temptations with the snack I ‘must have’ in order to keep thinking straight at my desk, or the late night snack I ‘must’ have before going to bed in order to sleep well, and any attempt at finding my new self is entirely sabotaged..
Rather than attempt to limit myself to a strict ‘no snacking’ regime, something as impractical as it is unenjoyable, I decided to seek out snacking alternatives that were not only healthy, but also satisfying and tasty. I wanted Healthy Snacking in the New Year, not another frustrating venture doomed to failure. That’s where Sunsweet® products came in.
Amaz!n Prunes are delightful little gems, a Feel Good Fruit that are perfect for that midday craving, and I found that they actually pair quite well with the midday brew. Prunes are packed with potassium and Vitamin K, which may help promote bone health as well as prevent hypertension. In addition to being a good source of fiber for regularity, with only 100 calories per serving, they are not only delicious, but are in fact quite healthy. That means not only can I combat my cravings for a quick bite, but I can do so without even a shred of guilt, and with a high glycemic index, they help me to feel fuller longer.
However, for the Amaz!n Diced Prunes I wanted to try something a tad different, to put a bit of a ‘gourmet’ spin on the prunes, but still keep things within the orbit of healthy snacking. I wanted something bite size, something slightly savory but still sweet, something I could serve either as a snack or as a dessert. Thus were our Prune Tartlets born.
These delicious bite-sized treats feature a minced prune filling wrapped in a light, flaky shell. They are perfect either as a satisfying snack during the day, or as a healthy dessert, making them ideal for anyone trying to keep up with their New Year’s Resolution.
Minced Prune Tartlets
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 1x
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 11/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbs. butter
- 1/4 cup shortening
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbs. orange zest
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbs. orange juice
- 1/4 cup warm water
For the Minced Filling:
- 21/2 cups of whole prunes
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup diced plums
- 1 large apple - peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 tbs. orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbs. honey
- Powdered sugar - for dusting the tartlets
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, shortening, orange juice and butter in a food processor and process. Slowly add the warm water while processing until the dough begins to come together.
- Form the dough into a ball and pat with flour; wrap with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 20 – 25 minutes. During this time; prepare the minced prune mixture.
For the Minced Filling:
- Preheat Oven 350 degrees.
- Combine all of the above in a food processor and process until a minced mixture is formed.
- Take the dough from the freezer and dust a clean surface with flour. Roll the dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a large cover, such as a mayonnaise jar cover to cut out the round circles.
- On a floured surface; roll the circles as thin as possible; but still sturdy enough to hold the mincemeat.
- Fit the dough into a cupcake tin and using a teaspoon fill with the mincemeat.
- Use the rest of the dough to make the crisscross topping for each tartlet.
- Bake 10 – 12 minutes or until slightly golden.
- Let cool and gently remove from the tins. Dust with the powdered sugar and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Enjoy!
*Forward written by Michael Pappas / Recipe developed by Catherine Pappas
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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1
Comedy Plus says
It's all about choices indeed. There are so many good and healthy snacks out there that won't mess up the new you. I'm glad you've found though out. It was a hard lesson for me to learn too.
These sound mighty good.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Beauty Follower says
Delicious pictures!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
Medeja says
Prunes.. Love them and everything with them 😀
Marilyn Lesniak says
This looks so good, and different than anything I have ever made. Pinned!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, I like prunes but I've never had a prune tarlet. They really look good too! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Ginny Hartzler says
These look so good. Finally, something perfect to have with your coffee and no guilt.
Dottie Sauchelli Balin says
Dear Catherine and Michael,
What marvelous little snacks, so healthy and really delicious. When I was young I never likes prunes but prune juice was good. My grandmother would have a glass every morning and I always joined her. I can remember the green glass jar of Sunsweet I think? As I grew up, I loved prunes and your filling for these minced prune tartlets is right up my alley. Love the sweet taste of the prunes, nuts, apple, plum, and all the spices. I could just take a spoon and eat the filling without the tart. This is a must make recipe to add to my favorites. Thanks for sharing...Have a blessed rest of the week!
Dottie 🙂
Kellie says
I must try these- they sound like a healthy alternative for when that craving for sweets happens. Pinned!
eastcoastlife says
Thank you for this healthy snack. I have to cut down on sweets and carbohydrates due to health reasons, hope this will satisfy my cravings once in a while 🙂
Culinary Flavors says
I love prunes and eat them very often. These little treats look delicious!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
These look fabulous, Catherine.
Marco F says
this recipe is really delicious!
AnnMarie says
These look wonderful and have all the ingredients of the Italian fig cookies I make for Christmas. I still have some in the freezer and snack on those almost daily, right out of the freezer!! Thanks for making me feel less guilty. When they are gone, I would love to try your tarts! Pinned
Stephanie says
I must confess that I am not a huge fan of prunes....I'm not sure why. Maybe it's a mind thing since I have nothing against their taste 🙂
Your tartlets look amazing and have me wanting to try a bite. I will have to try this recipe and prove my mind wrong 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Red Rose Alley says
Tammy, I really liked your comment on my "lovely" post today. It was one of my favorites.
Now about these prune tarts......they look so YUMMY and flaky, and I think the powdered sugar adds something special to them. I wish I had one to go with my tea right now.
I hope the new year is being good to you.
~Sheri
Foodie in WV says
I love prunes, they are great in cooking and baking! Great looking tarts 🙂
Jelena says
This is my kind of minced pie! Really great idea 🙂
Becky at Cooking with Vinyl says
Prunes scare me, to be honest, but these look so beautiful that I may just have to give them a shot! I'm a new food blogger and love meeting others. I found your site through a link party. I've followed your social sites and hope we can connect on those. I'm excited to read more of your blog. Thanks for sharing! Becky
Miz Helen says
Catherine, these are just wonderful little snacks with such delicious flavor. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Grace says
Yum yum! Your pictures are beautiful. Stopping by from Clever Chicks Blog Hop. Would love for you to stop by my baking blog to say hello!
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says
These are so cute, and sound delicious too. Thanks for sharing these healthy snacks with the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Loerlai
Shirley Wood says
They are really pretty snacks! It is so difficult to manage diet and exercise when there are so many temptations. This sounds like a yummy alternative. So glad you shared with us at Merry Monday. Please be sure to come back Monday for the new party!
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
I love snacking would definitely enjoy snacking on these, how yummy! Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Taylor@Food Faith Fitness says
These snacks look amazing!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Gorgeous little tartlets Catherine, Would be perfect on the Thanksgiving dessert table. Delicious! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving with you wonderful family. xoxo
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
What a great alternative to mincemeat tarts at Christmas time! I love prunes and have to be careful I don't eat too many at once! haha! Lovely pics, too!