Tarticos (Sweet and Savory Mini Pies)

For the mini pie shells

1. Preheat

1. Heat the oven to 150 ºC [300 ºF].

2. Mix

1. Mix the butter with the flour and milk with your fingertips until lumps form. Squeeze and knead lightly to make a ball. Do not knead more than strictly necessary.Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.

3. Cut

1. With a rolling pin, roll out the dough and cut into 3.5-inch [9-centimeter] circles. Place the circles on the back of a mini muffin tin.Place a tray over the bottom of the pan (to keep the bottom of the cupcakes flat).

4. Bake

1. Bake for 10 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.

5. Store

1. Store in an airtight plastic bag in a dry place. Use within one day, or refrigerate for up to one week.

To fill with pizza

1. Fill

1. Fill each tartico with a spoonful of mozzarella, followed by a spoonful of sauce, and another spoonful of mozzarella on top.

2. Bake

1. Place on a tray and bake in a preheated oven at 150 ºC [300 ºF] until the cheese melts.Remove from oven and serve immediately.

To fill with ham paste

1. Mix

1. Mix cream cheese with ham (save three slices for later) and pepper. Blend in food processor until it becomes a thick paste.

2. Fill

1. Fill the tarts with the ham mixture and garnish with strips of reserved ham and basil leaves .

3. Serve

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until serving time.