The first time we made poptarts ourselves it took about 7 hours for 9 pastries. If you consider this as just another type of pastry rather than a cheap and high-calorie snack, then maybe it could be justified. However, a majority of the population, many of whom firmly support eating out for every meal, would laugh at the level of effort.
Lemon or orange zest
Personally, I have wanted to make these for such a long time that I did not care how much my feet and neck would hurt afterwards. If you know what you’re doing, go in aware of next steps, and possibly purchase rather than make some of the ingredients, it could be accomplished in a couple of easy hours. There just happens to be a ton of waiting around for the ingredients to chill and time in the oven. You could easily get your workout and laundry checked off the list simultaneously (I did!).
There are many types of pastry, but the goal with a toaster pastry, is for it to be successfully reheated in a toaster. The pastry needs to be firm, sturdy, and not melt when vertically toasting between the steal bars. This recipe provides the perfect balance to reach that tender bite of flaky pastry.
Press to seal with the skewer 
Trim the pastry 
Take-Home Tips: The recipe is written in the best flow to prepare for the next step, but read ahead and be ready. Using store bought jam is easier and will give you back an hour of free time, but does not cut off total time as it is prepared while the dough chills. The taste of the homemade wild berry jam did come through perfectly, and you will be able to taste the filling. Err on the side of too little lemon or orange juice vs. too much. However, do not skimp on how much filling is in each pastry. Use whatever berries you like, or trade it for a cinnamon, brown sugar filling. If your fork pokes do not penetrate the top layer, you will find unwanted air pockets in your pastry. Use the skewer to firmly press and seal the pastries closed. Although decorating is fun, the pastries do taste better with less icing. When icing, add plenty and spread using a toothpick, being careful not to pull the flaky crust away. Pastries are toaster friendly.
Scoring: 8 of 10. The pastry crust was the best part, very buttery and flaky! The filling was possibly too acidic, but pleasantly flavorful. Without enough filling they are a little dry, but do reheat well in the oven, microwave, or toaster. They take too long to make regularly, but are worth the sacrifice to try at least once in your life.
Recipe adopted from Claire Saffitz Gourmet Pop Tarts.
Food of the Month 