Making Easy Fruit Tartlets with Pastry Cream is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:

For the Tartlets:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add Egg Yolk: Mix in the egg yolk until just combined.

3. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Roll Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick.

7. Form Tartlet Shells: Cut the dough into circles and press them into a muffin tin or tartlet pan, ensuring to cover the bottom and sides.

8. Bake: Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.

For the Pastry Cream:

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

3. Combine with Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth.

4. Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

5. Cook the Mixture: Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.

6. Add Butter and Vanilla: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.

7. Cool: Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface), and refrigerate until chilled.

Final Assembly:

1. Fill Tartlet Shells: Once the tartlet shells are cool, fill them with the chilled pastry cream.

2. Top with Fruits: Arrange your choice of fresh fruits on top of the pastry cream.

3. Add Garnish: If desired, garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.