Welcome to my virtual tea party, dedicated to the art of having tea. “A Proper Tea is Much Nicer than a Nearly Nice Tea“- A.A. Milne. Life is grand in the UK with the launch of Season 3, sad in the US as PBS won’t be broadcasting the new season until January. However, there are the Emmys to look forward to this weekend.
The British may have failed miserably in other culinary areas, but they excel in the tea ritual. I dish on Downton Abbey, the Royal Family, UK tourism and other topical tea issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a tea treat recipe with a history.
Today’s treat is Bakewell Tarts, an English tea favourite. Originally known as Bakewell Pudding, this confection dates back to the Tudor era. Mrs. Beeton, the Victorian domestic goddess, even published a lovely version.
The Best Bakewell Tarts
The Best Bakewell Tarts
Equipment
- rolling mat
- 9 inch fluted pan
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 tbsp. sugar (or sugar substitute)
- ½ tsp. salt
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
For the filling
- 1/4 cup raspberry or other jam (sugar free cuts some calories)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp. lemon zest finely grated
- 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds*
- 1 cup caster sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 tsp. almond essence (optional)
- 1/4 cup flaked almonds
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry
- Combine the flour, salt, sugar. Work in butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs (if you must you may use a food processor)
- Add the egg yolks, vanilla and water until a smooth dough is formed.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Unwrap the chilled pastry and roll out as thin as you can (again cuts the calories) to fit a 9 inch fluted pan, or you can cut into circles and press into muffin tins. Work the dough into the crevices of the pan.
Prepare the Filling
- Cream the butter with the sugar and lemon zest. Add the beaten eggs, then the flour, ground almonds, almond essence, and mix well.
- Spread the jam on the crust, then spoon the mixture over the jam.
- Top with flaked almonds, then bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is baked through and golden-brown all over.
- Dust with icing sugar once they have cooled.
