Blueberry Lemon Star Tarts (Sugar-Free BLW Recipe)
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Easy Christmas Dessert Ideas
I remember having jam tarts as a child and loving them freshly prepared from the oven. I wanted to create a recipe that had the same taste sensation but with no added sugar!
Sugar Free Jam Tarts have become a popular choice for health-conscious individuals who seek a guilt-free indulgence. These delectable treats offer a burst of fruity goodness without the added sugar.
Made with a combination homemade jam and a buttery, crumbly pastry crust, sugar-free jam tarts provide a delightful balance of flavours. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack for you and your baby or served as a sophisticated dessert, these tarts offer a satisfyingly sweet experience without compromising on taste.
With the absence of sugar, you can indulge in these scrumptious treats, knowing they are making a healthier choice for you and your baby.
No Added Sugar Jam
This recipe has been trial and error with regards to the quantities in the jam recipe, but I do believe I have created a strong substitute for jam which my baby and I are really loving!
Introducing solid foods during the baby-led weaning process is a significant milestone for both parents and babies. When it comes to providing nutritious choices, sugar-free jam emerges as an ideal option for tiny taste buds.
Sugar-free jam not only tantalises young palates but also ensures we can offer their little ones a healthy and flavourful option that is free from artificial additives.
It's the perfect way to introduce babies to diverse flavours while cultivating good eating habits from the very beginning.
Versatile Recipe
The jam can also be used for many other meal times if you just wanted to make the jam! To serve sugar-free jam to a baby, it's important to introduce new foods gradually and monitor any allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Start by offering a small spoonful of the jam mixed with a familiar food, such as yogurt or oatmeal, to gauge your baby's reaction. As with any new food, pay attention to any signs of discomfort or intolerance (always best to do this in the morning to catch a reaction) Over time, increase the amount of jam given, always keeping in mind age-appropriate portion sizes.
Consult with your Health visitor before introducing new foods, if you are unsure!
The Benefits Of Blueberries For BLW
Blueberries are a fantastic choice for baby-led weaning due to their numerous benefits. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, these little blue gems are bursting with antioxidants that support a strong immune system for growing infants.
Not only do blueberries provide key nutrients like vitamin C and fibre, but they also promote healthy brain development and aid in digestion. Their small size and soft texture make them a perfect finger food for babies to grasp and explore during mealtime, encouraging fine motor skills development.
Additionally, the natural sweetness of blueberries is sure to delight little taste buds and introduce babies to a variety of flavours early on.
Incorporating blueberries into a baby's diet during the weaning process can be an exciting and nutritious way to introduce healthy foods and foster a love for fruits.
Can My Baby Eat Pastry?
Yes! Shortcrust pastry is a versatile and delicious option for introducing a variety of flavours and textures to your baby's diet during the exciting stage of baby-led weaning.
Made with a simple combination of flour, butter, and a touch of water, this pastry offers a delicate yet firm texture that is easy for little hands to hold and explore. Its subtle, buttery taste pairs well with both sweet and savoury fillings, allowing you to get creative with your baby's meals.
Whether you choose to fill it with my homemade jam, vegetables, or even mild cheeses, shortcrust pastry provides a great opportunity for your baby to develop their fine motor skills and enjoy new tastes while exploring different textures.
So, break out the cutters and let the baby-led weaning adventures begin!
The Benefits Of Greek Yogurt for BLW
Greek yogurt is a fantastic option for baby-led weaning due to its numerous benefits. Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and probiotics, it supports the healthy development of a baby's bones, muscles, and gut.
The thick and creamy texture of Greek yogurt makes it a perfect food for babies to practice their self-feeding skills. It can be easily held and scooped, encouraging fine motor development while also introducing a range of textures.
The high protein content in Greek yogurt helps in the growth and repair of cells, promoting overall growth and development. Additionally, Greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which aids in the healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Introducing Greek yogurt to babies during their weaning journey not only provides a tasty and nutritious option but also cultivates lifelong healthy eating habits.
Including Milk Into Baby’s Diet
When it comes to baby-led weaning, incorporating milk into their food offers a multitude of benefits for little ones. Milk, especially breast milk or formula, serves as a vital source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
By adding milk to their food, babies not only receive these nutrients but also benefit from the creamy and smooth texture that makes it easier for them to explore and manipulate the food.
The addition of milk helps create a familiar taste and consistency, making the transition from milk feeds to solid foods a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for babies.
Moreover, the natural sweetness of milk can enhance the flavours of vegetables, fruits, and cereals, encouraging babies to develop a diverse palate and a love for healthy foods as they grow.
Cornflour
Cornflour (cornstarch) is an excellent choice for baby led weaning due to its numerous benefits and suitability for infants. With its soft, smooth texture, it makes for an ideal first food that is easy for babies to manage independently.
Cornflour is gluten-free, making it a safe option for babies with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Additionally, it is easily digestible and gentle on sensitive little tummies. The mild taste of cornflour provides a blank canvas for introducing new flavours, allowing babies to explore and develop their palate.
Moreover, cornflour is versatile and can be used to create a variety of dishes, from porridges to pancakes, ensuring a diverse and enjoyable dining experience for growing babies.
Lastly, cornflour is a good source of energy and nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, helping support the healthy growth and development of little ones.
By selecting cornflour for baby led weaning, parents can introduce a nourishing and baby-friendly food that promotes independence and a love for nutritious eating.
Why I Love This Recipe & So Will You!
I love that I have made these into stars, but you can use any cutter you like, to make these an all year round treat! I have cut out the middle of the stars so you can see the jam shining through, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
I hope you enjoy making these, I had such fun creating the jam recipe and I like to make things a little simpler by using the ready rolled pastry. You can of course make your own pastry if you have the time.
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a cosmic adventure? Look no further than my star tarts! These delightful treats are simply out of this world. From the moment you take that first bite, you'll be transported to a galaxy of flavours.
Picture a delicate, flaky crust filled with a luscious blend of sweet and tangy fruit. Not only do they taste heavenly, but their visually stunning star shape adds a touch of magic to any dessert table. So why should you make my star tarts? The answer is simple – because they will steal the show!
Ingredient information
Blueberries - I have decided to use blueberries as they are my toddlers favourite, not only this they are very nutritious for all.
Lemon - The acidity of the lemon gives a slightly sour and sweet taste. Plus blueberry and lemon are a match made in heaven.
Cornflour- Such a staple in my store cupboard. A great thickener for cooking.
Ready rolled shortcrust pastry- I have chosen to use ready rolled pastry, as I don’t have the time to make pastry, but of course you can make the pastry if you wish.
Serving suggestion
These can be eaten on their own or they can be served alongside some plain natural or Greek style yogurt swirled with the blueberry jam. Or if you really wanted to make them indulgent you could serve with double cream.
Another great option is a mango pot or even a blackberry cheesecake for dipping.
Storage instructions
The good news is they can be frozen for up to 3 months in the freezer and taken out and defrosted when you need them. Or you can leave them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.
Baking Sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight Container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Blueberry Lemon Star Tarts (Sugar -Free BLW Recipe)
Makes 8 large tarts, 16 small tarts
The blueberry Jam
1 150g, small punnet of blueberries
1 lemon, juiced
4 teaspoons cornflour
2 tablespoons Whole milk
320g Ready rolled shortcrust pastry
Instructions
Pre heat oven to 180 C or 350 F.
Wash blueberries and place in a saucepan with the lemon juice, cornflour and a splash of water.
Cover the saucepan and cook for 10 minutes or so until the blueberries have broken down and the whole mixture is thick and gooey.
Take your ready rolled pastry, and cut the stars using a star cutter of choice.
You make need to re roll the pastry to be able to get the 16 stars.
Once you have all the stars, place 2 teaspoons of the blueberry jam into the centre of 8 of the stars.
Take the other 8 stars and with a small round cutter, cut out a circle in the centre of all the stars.
Milk wash the sides of the blueberry filled stars. Place the other star on top. Press the sides down.
Milk wash the tops of the stars.
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
Leave to cool before eating.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you wanted to use a different fruit you could use strawberries or blackberries and make in exactly the same way! You can use your cutters of choice.
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