Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet of ready-made shortcrust pastry
- 1/3 cup of poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup of caster sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup of plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Special equipment needed:
- 12-hole muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Zester
- Juicer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and cut out 12 circles to fit the muffin tin.
3. Place the pastry circles into the muffin tin and prick the bottoms with a fork.
4. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
5. Add the flour, poppy seeds, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, and salt to the bowl and mix until well combined.
6. Spoon the mixture evenly into the pastry cases.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
180°C (350°F)
Serving size:
12 tarts
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 225
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Poppy seeds can be substituted with chia seeds or sesame seeds.
- Lemon juice and zest can be substituted with lime or orange juice and zest.
- Shortcrust pastry can be substituted with puff pastry or homemade pastry.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of honey to the filling for sweetness.
- Top each tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of icing sugar.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pastry is well chilled before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
- Use a zester to get the most flavor from the lemon zest.
- If the filling starts to brown too quickly in the oven, cover the tarts with foil.
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 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tarts on a platter with a dusting of icing sugar and a sprig of fresh mint.
Garnishes:
Garnish each tart with a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of poppy seeds.
Pairings:
Pair the tarts with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the tarts with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pastry is too dry, add a tablespoon of water to the dough and knead it until it comes together.
- If the filling is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the tarts to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Maids of Honour tarts are a traditional English pastry that dates back to the Tudor era. They were said to be a favorite of Henry VIII's wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Flavor profiles:
The tarts have a sweet and tangy flavor from the lemon juice and zest, with a nutty crunch from the poppy seeds.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tarts as a dessert or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: English