Exactly today, October 5th, marks 24 years since the first episode of Gilmore Girls aired, in the year 2000. Time to do something fun with it, right?!
Outside, the leaves are falling, inside, the coffee is brewing, and on Netflix, the Gilmore Girls marathon is waiting for you. The only thing missing to complete this perfect autumn scene? That's right, a stack of warm, crispy Pop-Tarts! Unfortunately, unlike in America, you won't be able to grab them from the supermarket shelves that easily here. So, why not get started yourself? Dive into the history of this iconic snack, explore its most beloved flavors, and easily make the tastiest Pop-Tarts yourself!
Whether you’re a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan, eager to discover something new, or simply curious about this American classic, get ready for a cozy fall to-do. Grab a coffee (or five), and let’s get started.
What exactly are Pop-Tarts?
Pop-Tarts are a type of flat, rectangular cookie-cake filled with a sweet filling, such as strawberry jam or chocolate spread, that you (basically) heat in a toaster or microwave. They are covered with a thin layer of icing and often decorated with brightly colored sprinkles. You can eat them hot or cold, but most people prefer the crispy, just-toasted exterior with the soft, sweet interior.
The History of Pop-Tart
Pop-Tarts have been around since 1964, when they were launched by the American company Kellogg's. They were originally intended as a kind of breakfast option that you could make quickly and easily. In the 1960s, 'convenience' was the magic word in the kitchen, and a breakfast that you could just pop in the toaster fit that bill perfectly.
The original flavors were modest: strawberry, blueberry, apple and cinnamon. But over the years, Kellogg's has expanded the flavors considerably, with creative options like s'mores, cookies & cream and even limited-edition flavors like watermelon.
Pop-Tarts became especially popular in the US and are synonymous with childhood memories, convenience and an easy feel-good snack. It has a kind of cult status, which you can compare with what we have in the Netherlands with stroopwafels or hagelslag.
Pop-Tarts and the Gilmore Girls
If you’re a fan of the show Gilmore Girls , you probably already have a special bond with Pop-Tarts. This snack plays a special role in the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, the main characters of the show. Lorelai in particular loves Pop-Tarts; she regularly eats them for breakfast or just as a quick snack. In one of the first episodes of the show, you can even see a breakfast consisting of Pop-Tarts alongside pancakes and coffee.
Lorelai's obsession with Pop-Tarts perfectly matches her chaotic personality. It symbolizes a free, carefree, playful element in her life. For many viewers, this gave the snack an extra charm, and Pop-Tarts have been inextricably linked to the Gilmore Girls ever since.
How to Make Pop-Tarts Yourself: A Simple Recipe
Pop-Tarts are available ready-made here and there, but did you know that you can easily make them yourself? Here is a simple recipe to make your own (very tasty) Pop-Tarts at home.
Ingredients
- 1 roll of puff pastry
- Strawberry jam or other filling of your choice (think Nutella or cinnamon sugar)
- 1 egg (for brushing the top)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Preparation method
1 - Preheat your oven to 180 degrees.
2 - Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into rectangular pieces (about 10x7 cm).
3 - Spoon a little of your chosen filling into the centre of half of the dough pieces, making sure to leave the edges clear.
4 - Place the other half of the dough slices on top and press the edges with a fork.
5 - Brush the top with a beaten egg for a nice shine.
6 - Bake the Pop-Tarts in the oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
7 - Meanwhile, make the icing by mixing icing sugar with a few tablespoons of milk until you have a thick, spreadable substance.
8 - Once the Pop-Tarts have cooled, cover them with the icing and decorate with sprinkles.
💛 Enjoy your homemade, warm Pop-Tarts!
Pop-Tarts are more than just a quick, sweet snack. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and fun, are wonderfully versatile in flavor, and are therefore perfectly suitable for homemade. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend baking project or planning a Gilmore Girls marathon with matching snacks, Pop-Tarts are always a good idea!
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