Monday, February 21, 2022

Mardi Gras Mini Tarts /#Mardi Gras



It is almost Mardi Gras time, and even though I have not participated in this fun and tasty celebration in New Orleans, I am celebrating at home this year with these yummy Mardi Gras Mini Tarts. This is one of the simplest desserts you will ever make.


I made a vanilla pastry cream and filled some store bought, mini butter shortbread tart shells. Add green, purple, and gold sprinkles and some little ball sprinkles in the same colors to give the tarts a festive look! 

Even though I purchased the pastry shells, I needed to make the cream ahead of time. It needs time to chill before serving, so I started about 24 hours before my "test kitchen eaters" could try them out. The cream was smooth and tasted amazing!


Mardi Gras Mini Tarts
(printable recipe at end of page)
(makes approx. 15-20 mini tarts)

2 cups Milk
1/4 cup White Sugar
2 Egg Yolks
1 Egg
1/4 Cornstarch
1/3 cup White Sugar
2 tbl. Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Mini Tart Shells
Purple, Green, and Gold Sugars
Purple, Green, and Gold Edible Decor Balls




Make the pastry cream by mixing together the milk and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. 
Use a medium bowl to whisk together the egg yolks and egg. Add the remaining sugar and cornstarch and stir them into the egg until smooth. Once the milk comes to a boil, drizzle it into the bowl in a thin stream, stirring constantly. You don't want the eggs to cook.  Place the sauce back into the saucepan and slowly bring it to a boil, stirring constantly so the eggs don't curdle.


Once the mix comes to a boil and thickens, take it off the heat. Stir the butter and vanilla in, mix until the butter is completely blended in. Pour into a heat-proof container and place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the pastry cream, preventing a skin to form. Refrigerate until chilled before using.


Using the mini tarts, fill each tart with the pastry cream. Place a little more pastry cream into the tarts than is shown in the picture. They look great when the cream is to the top, with a bit extra cream in the center.


Mix together some green sprinkles, gold shimmer sugar and purple sugar in a bowl.



Cover the cream in the tart with the sprinkles that were mixed together. 


Add some larger candy balls in mardi gras colors and enjoy this yummy treat!


Thank you for joining me today! I hope you found some Mardi Gras inspiration, and you try these Mini Tarts!
 
Continue down the page for more great ideas for celebrating Mardi Gras from some blogging friends.

  • Zombie Cocktail by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • King Cake Cupcakes by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
  • Homemade Beignets by Jen Around the World
  • Bananas Foster Bread by Jolene's Recipe Journal
  • Ramos Gin Fizz by Our Good Life
  • Cajun Pasta Carnivale by Palatable Pastime
  • Mardi Gras Mini Tarts by The Freshman Cook
  • King Cake Bundt Cake by The Redhead Baker
  • Voodoo Daiquiri by The Spiffy Cookie


  • Thank you for stopping by today! There is a printable recipe below for an easy way to keep a copy of this tasty recipe!





























    Saturday, February 12, 2022

    Shredded Hash Browns/ Perfect Potato Recipes

     February is Potato Month! Did you know that? I didn't, but I am so happy I found out! When you think about it, potatoes are amazing! There are so many recipes you can make using them! They are a side dish in one form or another, a couple times a week in our house. They also make great appetizers.  They are nothing, if not versatile!

    Today, I made one of our favorite breakfast side dishes, Shredded Hash Browns! They are easy to make, and you will love them!



      

    Shredded Hash Browns

    (makes 4 servings)


    4 Red Potatoes

    1 tbl. Butter

    1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

    1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

    1/2 of a medium Chopped Onion


    Start by peeling the skin off the red potatoes, then rinsing the potatoes with water.


    Cut the potatoes using a potato shredder.  Place in a bowl and add cold water, submerging the potatoes. Let sit for a few minutes, then drain the water.



    Using a paper towel, or two, remove any excess water from the potatoes.


    Melt a tablespoon of butter into a medium size frying pan.


    Once the butter is melted, add the potatoes, garlic powder and black pepper.


    Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook medium to medium-high heat. Mix the seasonings in as you cook.


    Turn the potato and onion mix as they cook. Cook until you are happy with the potatoes, and they are done. The potatoes will take approximately 20-25 minutes to cook. 


    Serve your Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes with your favorite breakfast food, such as eggs or pancakes. Of course, these shredded hash brown potatoes are fantastic with steak, hamburgers, or just about anything! Enjoy!

    Thank you for joining me today! I am happy you did. Scroll down this page to find a printable copy of this recipe and check out all the tasty potato recipes from my blogging friends!





    Perfect Potato Recipes


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