2 C. sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 T. sugar
3 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 C. vegetable shortening
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 T. water, or as needed

For Filling:
1/2 lb. low fat Ricotta Cheese
1/2 lb. Light Cream Cheese
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Splenda
2 T. all-purpose flour
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus cinnamon for garnish, optional
Grated orange or lemon zest, optional

FOR PASTRY: In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar and process briefly to mix. Add the butter and shortening and process with rapid on-off pulses until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the egg and the 1 T. water and process to form a soft dough, adding a little more water if needed. Gather the dough together and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Knead until the dough is smooth and holds together, 5-10 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until needed. To make the pastry by hand, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar in a bowl and stir to mix. Add the butter and shortening and, using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the egg and the 1 T. water and, using a fork, stir together until the mixture forms a soft dough, adding a little more water if needed. Gather the dough together, then knead, shape and refrigerate as directed for the processor method.

FOR FILLING: In a bowl, combine the cheese(s), sugar and splenda, flour, egg yolks, the 1 tsp. cinnamon and the orange or lemon zest, if using. Stir to mix thoroughly. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each ball into a round 4 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer each round to a tartlet tin 2 1/2 inches in diameter, pressing the dough firmly but gently into the tin and fluting the edges. Place the pastry-lined tins on a large baking sheet. Alternatively, butter a large baking sheet. Form the 4-inch rounds into free-form tart shells, pinching the edges to make a fluted rim, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully spoon the cheese filling into the tart shells, gently smoothing the tops with a rubber spatula. Bake until the tops are a pale golden brown, 20-25 minutes.

Transfer to wire racks and let cool. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if using, and serve at room temperature.

Yield: 12 tartlets
Calories: 289
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g