Make the dough: Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Work in the butter with your fingers, pastry blender, or food processor until pea-sized lumps of butter are still visible and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. If you've used a food processor, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Whisk the first egg and milk together and stir them into the dough, mixing just until everything is cohesive, kneading briefly on a well-floured counter if necessary. Divide the dough in half (approximately 8 ¼ ounces each), shape each half into a smooth rectangle, about 3×5 inches. You can roll this out immediately (see Warm Kitchen note below) or wrap each half in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Assemble the tarts: If the dough has been chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to soften and become workable, about 15 to 30 minutes. Place one piece on a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a rectangle about ⅛" thick, large enough that you can trim it to an even 9" x 12". [You can use a 9" x 13" pan, laid on top, as guidance.] Repeat with the second piece of dough. Set trimmings aside. Cut each piece of dough into thirds – you'll form nine 3" x 4" rectangles. Beat the additional egg and brush it over the entire surface of the first dough. This will be the "inside" of the tart; the egg is to help glue the lid on. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each rectangle, keeping a bare ½-inch perimeter around it. Place a second rectangle of dough atop the first, using your fingertips to press firmly around the pocket of filling, sealing the dough well on all sides. Press the tines of a fork all around the edge of the rectangle. Repeat with remaining tarts. Gently place the tarts on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the top of each tart multiple times with a fork; you want to make sure steam can escape or the tarts will become billowy pillows rather than flat toaster pastries. Refrigerate the tarts (they don't need to be covered) for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350° F. Charming tip from King Arthur: Sprinkle the dough trimmings with cinnamon-sugar; these have nothing to do with your toaster pastries, but it's a shame to discard them and they make a wonderful snack. While the tarts are chilling, bake these trimmings for 13 to 15 minutes, till they're golden brown. Bake the tarts: Remove the tarts from the fridge and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they're a light golden brown. Cool in pan on rack. Get more great recipes from Cristina at www.cristinaferrarecooks.com.
Christine Eisley’s life is coming undone. She’s been fired from her job, evicted from her home and her ex-husband is taking her to court for custody of their children. To make matters worse, she’s misplaced a very special family heirloom, a star-shaped locket handed down from her father, who disappeared from her life when she was a young girl. But things seem to be looking a little brighter for Christine when she lands a new job working with a gregarious bakery owner and a holiday romance begins to blossom with Jason, the handsome grandson of a sweet couple who own a popular local store. As she uncovers a long-standing family secret, Christine’s luck might be starting to turn, bringing her good fortune and true love just in time for Christmas.
