Table Mountain Tart

A Brief History of Table Mountain Tart

The Table Mountain Tart, a delightful dessert with origins from the Western Cape of South Africa, is inspired by the grandeur and beauty of Table Mountain itself. This tart takes its name due to the intricate layering and presentation resembling this iconic flat-topped mountain. Historically, this tart was a way for colonial settlers to enjoy the natural abundance of fruits found in the region, especially utilizing the fresh apples and pears available. Over time, it has evolved, incorporating various influences, including Dutch and Malay flavors, common in Cape Town's culinary heritage.

Ingredients for Table Mountain Tart

• Butter - 200g
• Flour - 300g
• Sugar - 150g
• Eggs - 2 large
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Apples - 3, peeled and sliced thinly
• Pears - 3, peeled and sliced thinly
• Cinnamon - 1 tsp
• Nutmeg - 1/2 tsp
• Baking powder - 1 tsp
• Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Walnuts - 100g, roughly chopped
• Brown sugar - 2 tbsp

Preparation Steps

Before you begin, make sure to set aside enough time for proper preparation. A well-crafted Table Mountain Tart requires attention to detail right from the start.

1. Prepare the Pastry

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set this aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until a dough forms.
6. Chill this dough for around 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

2. Prepare the Fruit Filling

1. Toss the sliced apples and pears with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
2. Let this fruit mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Instructions

After preparation comes the art of assembling and baking the tart. Allow your kitchen to be filled with the warm, welcoming aroma of apples and pears as you bake it to perfection.

1. Preheat and Arrange

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan.
3. Line the tart pan with the dough, trimming any excess from the edges.

2. Assemble the Tart

1. Arrange the fruit mixture evenly onto the dough.
2. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.

3. Baking the Tart

1. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
2. Check the tart at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Adjust cooking time if necessary.

Serving the Table Mountain Tart

The beauty of the Table Mountain Tart is that it is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with a dollop of cream, it is sure to delight your taste buds. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a warm herbal tea for a perfect afternoon indulgence. Its harmonious blend of sweet and spiced flavors can be the centerpiece of any dessert table or simply a special treat after dinner.

Enjoy this iconic tart while gazing at the majestic Table Mountain itself, if you're so lucky as to have it in view, or perhaps reminisce about its splendor as you savor each lovely slice.