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Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) is quick and easy to make. Jamtertjies, pronounced “yam-ter-cheese,” are a delightful and traditional South African dessert that has gained popularity both locally and internationally. Create these mouthwatering treats by using a sweet pastry crust and filling them with a scrumptious jam or preserve filling.
If you are looking for other South African baking dishes, then try our vetkoek recipe or the easy koeksisters recipe here.
What are Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts)?
The name “jamtertjies” translates to “small jams” in Afrikaans, perfectly capturing the essence of these bite-sized delicacies. One of the key features that make outydse Suid Afrikaanse Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) so appealing is the versatility of the filling.
You can choose from a variety of jam flavours such as apricot, raspberry, or strawberry, allowing you to tailor the dessert to your personal preferences. Whether you have a preference for tangy or sweet fillings, there is a jamtertjie flavour to satisfy every palate. So go ahead and try our outydse Suid Afrikaanse Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts).
Where do jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) come from?
In South African culinary culture, jamtertjies or jam tertjies hold a special place, and people often serve them at special occasions and celebrations. These delightful treats bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort, evoking memories of family gatherings and traditional festivities. In addition to holding symbolic significance, jamtertjies are also cherished for their simple yet delectable taste, which appeals to both the young and the old. Despite originating humbly, jamtertjies have gained international attention and food enthusiasts around the world now enjoy them.
In conclusion, outydse Suid Afrikaanse Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) are more than just a dessert. They represent a piece of South African culinary heritage and offer a delightful sensory experience. With their irresistible combination of a flaky pastry crust and a vibrant jam filling, jamtertjies have carved a special place in the hearts and taste buds of people everywhere.
Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply looking for a sweet treat, jamtertjies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste them.
Can you freeze jamtertjies?
Yes, you can freeze jamertjies. Freezing them can help you store them for a longer period of time. Here’s how you can do it:
- Cool Down: Allow the jampertjies to cool down completely after cooking before attempting to freeze them. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the packaging.
- Package Properly: Wrap each jampertjie individually or in small batches in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use freezer-safe resealable plastic bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label each package with the date you’re freezing them. This way, you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped jampertjies in the coldest part of your freezer. Ideally, freeze them as quickly as possible to maintain quality. If your freezer has a “quick freeze” option, use it.
- Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the jampertjies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator. After thawing, you can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on a grill until they are heated through. Cooking times will vary depending on your chosen method.
While freezing can help preserve the jamtertjies, it’s worth noting that the texture might change slightly after thawing and reheating. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety and quality when consuming frozen and reheated foods.
Jamtertjie (Jam Tarts) filling ideas
The world of jamtertjie fillings spans a captivating spectrum of both sweet and savoury flavors, crafting a culinary journey that balances tradition and innovation. On the sweet side, classic selections like velvety caramel or indulgent chocolate ganache make for sumptuous options, enveloping the palate in a symphony of rich, comforting tastes.
Fruit-forward choices remain ever-popular, traditional choices include rich and velvety apricot jam, bursting with the sweetness of sun-ripened apricots. Luscious strawberry preserves offer a burst of summer sweetness, and zesty citrus marmalade adding a tangy twist. In contrast, the savory realm introduces exciting possibilities.
Hearty fillings like caramelized onion jam interlace sweetness with a deep umami undertone, while smoky bacon jam introduces a delightful interplay of salty and sweet.
These diverse fillings showcase the culinary artistry behind jamtertjies, presenting an enticing fusion of flavors that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring their place as a beloved delicacy for any occasion.
How to make jamtertjies
The process of making our outydse Suid Afrikaanse Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) involves meticulously preparing the pastry crust to achieve a delicate and crisp texture. The crust is then filled with a generous spoonful of jam, ensuring that each bite is filled with a burst of fruity goodness. The contrast between the buttery pastry and the sweet jam filling creates a heavenly combination that keeps you coming back for more. The perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, combined with the charming bite-sized nature of these treats, has made them a favorite among those who seek something unique and indulgent.
Step by Step Instructions
Firstly, ensure that your butter is soft or at least room temperature. Rub the butter into the flour. You can do this by either using your fingertips or alternatively a pastry blender.
A pastry blender is a kitchen tool designed to simplify the process of blending solid fats, such as butter or shortening, into dry ingredients like flour when making pastries, pies, and other baked goods. It typically consists of a handle attached to a set of sturdy metal wires or blades that are curved or crisscrossed. The main purpose of a pastry blender is to evenly distribute the fat throughout the dry ingredients, creating a coarse, crumbly texture that is essential for achieving flaky and tender baked goods. This one from mighty ape will be sufficient.
Once you have integrated the butter into the flour, add the remainder of the dry ingredients. Next, beat the eggs until airy and add to the dry ingredients. The aim now is to bring all the ingredients together with the help of a little bit of water. Don’t add the water all at once, instead add a teaspoon at a time until you have reached the desired consistency. The aim is to get a workable dough to roll out and then cut out to start forming your jam tarts.
Now that you have your workable dough, start rolling it out nice and thin. You don’t want it to be too thick since you will fold it over once you’ve added your filling. I bought a dumpling maker similar to the one below which I used to help ease the process of cutting and then filling the jam tertjies.
How to fold the jamtertjies
Roll out and cut the dough into circles so they are slightly bigger than the dumpling maker. To prevent the jam from spilling out too much during the baking time, add a little flour to the circle before adding the filling and then top with a sprinkle of flour. Brush the edges with a little water prior to folding it over and cut off the excess dough.
What if I don’t have a dumpling maker?
If you don’t have a dumpling maker, then begin by placing a small amount of your chosen filling onto the center of the cutout circle. Moisten the edges with water to ensure a proper seal. Then, fold the circle in half, creating a half-moon shape, and gently press the edges together to seal it.
Depending on the desired look, you can either crimp the edges with your fingers to create a classic pleated appearance, appearance or leave them straight for a simpler fold. If pleating, start by pinching and folding a small section of the edge, then press it against the opposite side and continue this motion along the edge until the dumpling is fully sealed, repeating on the other side if desired. You can also use a fork to press the edges flat. Proper folding not only ensures that the filling is securely enclosed, but also contributes to the visual appeal of the finished tertjies.
Brush the top of the tertjies with egg wash and bake at 190 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cooked and golden brown. It is normal for some of the filling to spill out – but if there is too much then ensure you have sealed the tertjies properly.
If you tried our maklike outydse Suid Afrikaanse Jamtertjies (Jam Tarts) recipe then please give it a rating and leave a comment.
MAKLIKE OUTYDSE SUID AFRIKAANSE JAMTERTJIES
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Dumpling Maker Optional
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Flour
- 3 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 250 Grams Butter
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
- Rub the soft butter gently into the flour either using your fingertips or the pastry blender.
- Add the remainder of the dry ingredients.
- Beat the eggs until airy.
- Add the eggs to the dry ingredients and add a little water (teaspoon at a time) to the mixture until the dough is the desired consistency.
- Roll out and cut the dough into circles so they are slightly bigger than the dumpling maker. To prevent the jam from spilling out too much during the baking time, add a little flour to the circle before adding the filling and then top with a sprinkle of flour. Brush the edges with a little water prior to folding it over and cut off the excess dough.
- If you don’t have a dumpling maker, then begin by placing a small amount of your chosen filling onto the center of the cutout circle. Moisten the edges with water to ensure a proper seal. Then, fold the circle in half, creating a half-moon shape, and gently press the edges together to seal it. Depending on the desired look, you can either crimp the edges with your fingers to create a classic pleated appearance or leave them straight for a simpler fold. If pleating, start by pinching and folding a small section of the edge, then press it against the opposite side and continue this motion along the edge until the dumpling is fully sealed, repeating on the other side if desired. You can also use a fork to press the edges flat. Proper folding not only ensures that the filling is securely enclosed, but also contributes to the visual appeal of the finished tertjies.
- Brush the top of the tertjies with egg wash and bake at 190 degrees for 15 minutes until cooked and golden brown.
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