Apricot Tarts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture. Mix gently until the dough comes together, adding an additional tablespoon of water if needed. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cavities.

5. Gently press the dough circles into the muffin tin, making sure to create a small well in the center for the filling.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apricots, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix well to coat the apricots evenly.

7. Spoon the apricot filling into each tart shell, filling them almost to the top.

8. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

9. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve the apricot tarts warm or at room temperature, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy these delicious treats with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!