Table Mountain Tarts
Table Mountain Tarts are a delightful pastry that hails from the rich culinary landscape surrounding Table Mountain in South Africa. These tarts capture the essence of the region, combining local ingredients and traditional techniques to create a dish that's not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a nod to the cultural heritage of the area.
History of Table Mountain Tarts
The origin of Table Mountain Tarts can be traced back to the early settlers of the Cape Colony who ingeniously adapted traditional European pastry techniques to the local ingredients available. The unique fusion of elements such as spices, fruits native to the region, and imported culinary methods resulted in what we now know as Table Mountain Tarts. Over time, this dish has been cherished in South African households, often prepared for festive occasions and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Flour - 2 cups, all-purpose
- Sugar - 1 cup, granulated
- Butter - 1 cup, unsalted and at room temperature
- Egg - 2 large
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Apricot Jam - 1 cup
- Almond Slices - 1/2 cup
- Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
Preparation
Making the Pastry
Before starting, ensure that your butter is at room temperature. This will ease the process of making a smooth pastry dough. First, cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Once creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Preparing the Filling
For the tart filling, take 1 cup of apricot jam and mix it with a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until the cinnamon is fully integrated into the jam mixture, giving it a sweet and spicy aroma that is characteristic of Table Mountain Tarts.
Assembling the Tarts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough and place them into a greased muffin pan to form the tart bases.
Fill each tart base with the apricot jam mixture, filling it about halfway to allow space for the pastry top.
With the remaining dough, cut out decorative shapes (such as stars or leaves) to place over the jam filling in each tart. Sprinkle with almond slices for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Process
Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. To ensure perfect cooking time, you can use a handy cooking timer.
Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Enjoy Table Mountain Tarts
Table Mountain Tarts are best enjoyed fresh with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of the buttery pastry, aromatic apricot jam, and crunchy almond slices make them a delectable choice for afternoon tea or dessert. For a special twist, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These tarts are not only a treat for the tastebuds but also a charming addition to any dining table, reminding you of the beautiful landscapes and rich culinary traditions of Table Mountain.