Foodiva's Kitchen: Secret Recipe Club - Homemade Nutella Apple Coconut Chocolate Pop Tarts

Monday, July 18, 2011

Secret Recipe Club - Homemade Nutella Apple Coconut Chocolate Pop Tarts

I wish all my friends' houses were connected to mine via secret tunnels.
~ Blue Lady at tumblr.com

Whenever the Secret Recipe Club event rolls around, I feel as if I'm being given the opportunity to bear someone a precious gift. Not only to the blog owner that I'm assigned to by the event host, Amanda of Amanda's Cookin', but also to you, my friends and readers. So this month I'm lucky enough to get Savor The Thyme owned by the incredibly hip and talented Jennifer. I'm not sure why I've never come across her blog before this assignment but once I looked through it, I was hooked. There are plenty of healthy recipes using fresh and 'real' ingredients that I felt rather spoilt for choice. More than that, there is a paragraph in her 'About' page that sums up everything I myself personally value where she says:

"I believe in a healthy lifestyle and family: To us that includes being healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It includes great times with friends, life experiences and lots of hugging and laughing."

Well, I don't know you from Eve, Jennifer....but I think we could be psychological twins! I hope you will view this attempt at one of your recipes as a gift from me, 8000 miles away. To everyone else, go and discover Savor The Thyme now, for that is really my gift to you. 



For several weeks, I looked through Jennifer's blog and in the end settled for something sweet (you regulars should know me and my insatiable sweet tooth by now). Her homemade Nutella, Apple and Almond Pop Tarts called out my name. No, they were positively yelling! The pop tarts seemed easy to make (and they were) but not only that, they also looked easy on eyes and I suspect, very acceptable to the palate too....they're just so pretty and thoroughly tempting!


I made very few changes, one of which was to ramp up the chocolatey-ness of the pop tart (sometimes that Nutella just needs a soulmate, something that understands it, you know). So I made a chocolate tart crust that gave off a lovely deep, rich color, taste and backdrop to complement the inimitable Nutella. And instead of almonds, I toasted coconut flakes and sprinkled them on top of the baked pop tarts. I couldn't help it, part of me wanted to stay true to my tropical roots.


I must say the flavor and textural combination of juicy apple, crisp coconut and sweet chocolate hazelnut spread really made these pop tarts, how better to say it... pop. And that chocolate crust recipe was so good, flaky in parts, brownie-like in others...a bit like what life is supposed to be.

Speaking of life, did you notice the quote right up at the top? I had also intended that this post be a gift to one of my best friends, WL, whose unflinching friendship have made me realize that truth, beauty and goodness do exist during the tough times. She's my rock and my worldly confidant, second only to God in knowing my deepest secrets. As life would have it, WL now lives in Hongkong with her husband Stephen and strangely, for most of our years of friendship, we have lived in separate countries. But she is Bruneian so tries to come back here with her kids twice a year to visit her aging parents. Those are the times when we would catch up face-to-face. In between we would exchange emails, phone calls, texts, snarky comments on social networking sites and in the olden days of yore, letters. It's safe to declare that I love her and her family to bits.


We were all excited to see WL and her kids again as they were due to visit/come home for the summer break. Unfortunately, about a fortnight ago, Stephen was hit by a taxi while doing his usual morning run (he constantly dreams of doing the Boston Marathon). He suffered 9 fractured ribs, a broken shoulder blade and a punctured lung. Just like that. He is on the road to recovery now but just right after the accident, seeing the numerous tubes inserted into his body had totally broken my friend's heart and by proxy, mine. So yes, I often wish for that secret tunnel to exist. WL, you've always been my rock. This time, please allow me to be yours.

Homemade Nutella Apple Coconut Chocolate Pop Tarts
Yields: 4-5 pop tarts

Chocolate Pop Tart Crust
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder*
1/2 teaspoon caster sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, chilled but softened, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons chilled water

Method:
1. Place flour, sugar, salt and cocoa in a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Rub the butter in the flour with your fingertips until the dough resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the rest of the butter and mix everything until the biggest pieces look like large sized peas.
2. Slowly add in water, stir, then slowly add in more until the dough just holds together. Toss with hands, letting it fall through your fingers, until it’s ropey with some dry patches. If dry patches predominate, add another tablespoon of water. Keep tossing until you can roll the dough into a ball. Flatten into a 4-inch-round disc and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Nutella Apple Coconut Chocolate Pop Tarts
Ingredients:
1 recipe pie crust* (above)
6-7 teaspoons Nutella
1/2 apple, peeled and thinly sliced

Topping:
2 teaspoons Nutella, melted
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut, lightly toasted*

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400ºF.
2. Bring the pie crust to room temperature and then roll out atop a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle-ish shape, then measure and score it into 3x4 inch rectangles. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut out 8 rectangles.
3. Place 4 of the rectangles onto a cookie/baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Spoon 1 teaspoon of nutella onto each rectangle, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at each edge. Place a slice of apple on top of the nutella.
4. Cover the pop tart by placing an unfilled rectangle over the top of the nutella and apple. Using a fork, seal the edges together gently, and bake for 13-15 minutes.
5. Place 2 teaspoons of nutella into a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 30 seconds on medium. Mix and repeat until the nutella is melted. Transfer it to a small plastic bag, cut a tiny piece off the corner and then drizzle the nutella over the pop tarts, sprinkle with toasted coconut and serve.

* These were the modifications I made.

Don't forget to check out what secrets were withheld by the SRC participants over this last month by clicking on their post links below!




42 comments:

Tasty Trix said...

I know you think I have zero sweet tooth but I must tell you that pop tarts were my FAVORITE breakfast growing up. Mine, well, they came out of a box and weren't lovely and artistic and homemade like yours but I firmly believe that my mom pushed down the toaster with love! lol. I would have flipped for these - and am flipping now as well!

Tina @flourtrader said...

Terrific pop tarts. I like when they are packed with this kind of flavor. Beats those pitifully flat ones. Well done-Yum!

Carolyn said...

Wow, now that is a pop tart! I love Savor the Thyme, it's a fantastic blog.

Unknown said...

Ahhh, Trix...now I know why you only eat desserts at breakfast! At least your mom played a big part in you even eating those pop tarts, she needed to be there to push down the toaster as I know you wouldn't do it ;-).

Unknown said...

Tina, you're right. These taste fabulous and beat the ready-made flat ones hands down!

Erin said...

Wow - these look amazing! I have never come across Savor the Thyme either, so thank you for the introduction!

The Chocolate Priestess said...

Another recipe to share with our Chocolate Coconut Acolyte.

Sanjeeta kk said...

These are awesome looking tarts! Bookmarked for a quick trial.

Victoria said...

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! I hope he recovers quickly! Second, I am loving this Secret Recipe Club, and I just joined! Really looking forward to participating. These "pop tarts" are such a fun choice to make, and I can absolutely see why you selected them. I also love the chocolate crust :) Hope you're well!!

Sandra said...

I am so sorry about your friend's husband..I am sure that he will recover fast, and best wishes!!
Your dish today is amazing Maya, what a treat, what a chocolate treat LOL! Looks fantastic, and sounds heavenly!
Have a great Monday dear!!

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I too have many friends spread around the globe. I can't even imagine how you feel wanting to help so much but just to far. I wish him the best recovery possible. I think if we was prescribed 3 of your pop tarts a day he would be up in no time, just delicious.

amanda @ fake ginger said...

Those look amazing! I could go for one for breakfast tomorrow please! :)

Jeanette said...

What a fun selection for this month's event - love your changes to Jennifer's recipe (she has a terrific blog!). Praying for a speedy and full recovery for your friend's husband. I'm sure your support is greatly appreciated.

Lauren at Keep It Sweet said...

I used to love chocolate poptarts when I was a kid- these look fantastic!

Unknown said...

Victoria, thanks for your good thoughts, we pray for Stephen to get well soon too. I think it's wonderful that you've joined the SRC, look forward to your contribution next month. Hope you get assigned my blog...LOL!

Unknown said...

Sandra, mwaahs and thanks. These sure tasted good and you can't have too much chocolate in anything! You have a great start to the week too, sweetie!

Unknown said...

Evelyne@CEE, yes you totally get how I feel about precious friendships. If Stephen ate 3 of these pop tarts a day, it might keep the doctor away, but he will probably never run a marathon again! LOL.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, Maya, I'm so sorry about your friend...I'll say a prayer for a complete recovery.

I knew you'd do something marvelous for the SRC! Stunning pop tarts!

Shelby said...

Jennifer does have an amazing blog...and you did her poptarts proud!

Pierre said...

Wow, that one crazy list of secrets. You must be in the centre tunnelling system huh? Hahaha.

I love nutella with a hot flakey pastry, with the hot warm apple. (Set aside the coconut tho, not a biggie of that ;) Yum!

Tami said...

MMM, poptarts for adults! They look heavenly.

Trisha said...

These pop tarts look fabulous and the list of ingredients must ensure that there are yummy! Glad to stumble onto your blog through SRC!

createwithmom said...

Maya these pop tarts are looking delicious and innovative

createwithmom said...

Maya these pop tarts are looking delicious and innovative

Lisa~~ said...

I haven't had a Pop Tart in decades but after reading this post I want to have your homemade ones.

If you haven't already, I'd love for you to check out my SRC recipe this month: Holy Guacamole.

Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook

Sara said...

Wow, these look totally amazing! So delicious - yum!! :) Great idea to make your own pop tarts. :)

Lilly said...

Can you believe I never had a pop tart before? And I don’t think we had anything similar to this in Holland either. So thank you for sharing this recipe, now I can try and make my own.

Quay Po Cooks said...

Sorry about your friend's hubby, wish him speedy recovery. It is a blessing to have friends who love u and are concern. You and your friend are really blessed have each other. It is true, family and friends are our rock during tough time. Love your pop tarts.

BigFatBaker said...

What a wonderful poptart recipe! I made some regular poptarts for last month's SRC, but these really look fabulous. I love all the chocolate and coconut! I definitely will be adding this recipe to my to do list.

Unknown said...

You're doing yourself a disservice calling that beautiful creation a Pop Tart.

It looks incredible, and the nutella is a nice touch.

Unknown said...

You got me at Nutella! I eat the stuff by the jarful. The nutella apple poptarts look awesome.
I am so sorry to hear about Stephen. I wish him speed recovery.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Oh my.... Such a delicious dessert! If you let me eat one bite, I won't let go of these pop tarts (plural)!

Unknown said...

Thanks for your kind thoughts, Michael. Perhaps I should Fedex over a whole box of frozen Nutella pop tarts to Sunderland? ;-)

Unknown said...

Nami, eat as much as you like...but I only made 4 of these pop tarts! LOL, you're so cute.

the [sugar] apothecary said...

How did you know I've been searching for a good PopTart crust recipe?! Those chocolate-crusted Oreo ones are always Mike's favorite (with the luminous white goop inside)... I think this crust just might do the trick! Thanks! :)

Lynne Daley said...

These look super yummy and beautiful.

Katrina said...

Those look perfectly divine!

Unknown said...

that is just so cool

Amy Anderson said...

Oh. My.

Glad to be part of SRC with you!

Amy @ A Little Nosh

marla said...

These pop tarts look fantastic! So fun to be in the Secret Recipe Club with you.

Anne @ Quick and Easy Cheap and Healthy said...

What Amy said. That's like the most amazing concoction I've seen in a while!

Artbyasm said...

I am so delighted to try this recipe! I can't wait! My kids will love it! My kids love Pop Tarts but only buy certain kinds. I have always wanted to make them at home. I grew up on Nutella. Which in turn introduced my husband and then our kids. It's a staple! I will definitely try and link you back from my post on my blog. I also can relate to your friend's husband's accident. I was struck by a car on the highway. I had a flat tire and a person struck me. I had to learn how to walk again and was bed ridden for a long time! It was very hard but with time I got better and was able to walk again although I have lasting injuries and my life changed but it's a day by day thing and has been for the past 11 years.

Thank you for sharing your recipe!
I am a new follower, hope you will come by and follow back!

God Bless,
Annamaria

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