These sweet treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day! This is a very simple and quick recipe, especially since you can buy jam and shortcrust pastry pre-made. I chose to make my own pastry because it is quick and simple, and can be made in advance and kept in the fridge.
Jam
I chose to use a red strawberry jam because it is my favourite, however, you can use whatever jam you would like. Although it is much easier to buy jam from the shop, you could also choose to use your own homemade recipe.
Love Letter Pastries
Makes 10
Ingredients:
· 225g Plain Flour
· 20g Caster Sugar
· 100g Unsalted Butter (cold - fridge temp.)
· 4-5Tbsp Milk
· 10tsp Jam (approximately)
Instructions:
Shortcrust Pastry
1. Put the flour and caster sugar into a bowl and mix until combined.
2. Chop the butter into smaller cubes for ease.
3. Add the butter into the bowl and rub the butter and flour mixture together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. When it looks like breadcrumbs, add a tablespoon of milk into the mixture.
5. Begin combining the mixture, and then add another tablespoon. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly and doesn't seem to be coming together, add another tablespoon of milk.
6. Form the pastry into a ball, being careful not to overwork it.
7. Cover in clingfilm and place in the fridge for 30 mins. It can be kept in the fridge overnight or for a few days, however if you choose to do this, you will need to take it out of the fridge at least an hour before assembling the pastries.
Assembly
1. Roll the pastry out so it is quite thin (about 4mm).
2. Using a sharp knife, cut out even squares out of the pastry that are about 7x7cm.
3. Then, individually roll them again, so they are now about 9x9cm and around 2mm thick.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
5. Place a square on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. Add a teaspoon of jam into the centre of the square. (Don't be tempted to add to much, it will just spread and burn.)
6. Fold the bottom of the square up on top of the jam and gently press down to secure. Then fold the sides over, gently pressing at the bottom corners and the creases to prevent leaking jam.
7. Using the spare pastry, cut out small hearts, either carefully by using a knife, or a small biscuit cutter. Brush with milk to help it stick and press it onto the middle of the pastry.
8. Brush all the pastries with milk to give them a light golden colour.
9. Put the pastries in the oven for 12-14 minutes.
10. When you take them out, leave them out and don't eat until they are fully cooled - the jam inside will be very hot!
11. Enjoy!
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