Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut the pastry into circles that fit the tart pan and press them into the pan.
4. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
6. Add the flour, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until smooth.
7. Pour the mixture into the pastry shells, filling them about 2/3 full.
8. Top each tart with a handful of blueberries.
9. Bake the tarts for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
10. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
11. Dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 110mg
Sugar: 21g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh blueberries can be substituted with frozen blueberries.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar.
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie crust.
Variations:
- Substitute blueberries with raspberries or strawberries.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy twist.
- Top the tarts with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pastry shells before filling them to prevent them from puffing up too much.
- If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
Storage instructions:
Store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tarts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tarts on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh blueberries on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pairings:
Serve the tarts with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the filling is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the eggs are fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
Maids of Honour tarts are a traditional English dessert that date back to the 16th century. They were said to be a favorite of King Henry VIII's wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Flavor profiles:
The tarts have a sweet and buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla and a burst of fresh blueberries.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tarts as a dessert after a dinner party or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.
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Region: British