Instructions

To prepare the pastry

1. Cream the butter and sugar well before adding the beaten egg and beating for an additional minute.
2. Add the flour and salt and mix just until a dough forms.
3. Separate the dough into two rounds, wrap them in plastic wrap and let them rest in the fridge for about an hour.
4. Roll out the dough and cut out circles with a large biscuit cutter or something of sufficient size for the tart pans you are using.
5. Chill the pans in the fridge for about 20 minutes before stabbing several holes in the bottom of each tart pastry with a fork. This is to allow any steam that might form underneath the pastry to escape and not ruin the shape of the tart shells.
6. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare the Vanilla Custard

1. Scald the milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Microwave works best as there is no chance of burning the milk. bring the temperature to just under boiling point.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine the flour, sugar and salt.
3. Over medium flame slowly add about the 1/3 of the scalded milk whisking constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat until mixture begins to slightly thicken.
4. Add the next 1/3 of the milk until it slightly thickens again,then repeat with the final 1/3 of the scalded milk.
5. At this point remove from heat and pour about a half cup of this mixture onto the beaten eggs, whisking constantly.
6. Pour the egg mixture immediately back into the pot, continuing to constantly stir.
7. Cook for an additional minute or two until pudding consistency and remove from the flame.
8. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
9. Cool completely in the fridge.

To Construct the Tarts

1. Place a whole strawberry in the center of each pastry shell.
2. Transfer the custard to a piping bag or just a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.
3. In a circular motion, starting at the base, pipe the custard all the way around the strawberry to completely conceal it.
4. Next, place strawberry halves on top of the custard all over the surface of the tart.
5. At this point, you can brush a little strawberry glaze on the strawberry halves if you like.
6. To prepare the Strawberry Glaze (optional)
7. Microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, and brush over the strawberry halves on top of the tarts.