Rich Egg Custard Tarts 🥚🥧
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 6-9 tarts
Description:
Indulge in the sweet, creamy delight of Rich Egg Custard Tarts, where a velvety, egg-rich custard meets a delicate, flaky pastry. This recipe, straight from the pages of the beloved cookbook, “Company’s Coming: Weekend Cooking,” promises a comforting treat perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or any time you crave a touch of sweetness. 🍰
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup custard powder
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Tart Pastry: Begin by processing the all-purpose flour, lard, and margarine in a food processor. Pulse until the lard and margarine form pea-sized pieces. 🥧 |
| 2 | Create the Dough: In a small cup, beat the egg yolk with ice water using a fork. |
| 3 | Mix the Ingredients: Remove the cover of the food processor and pour the egg mixture over the flour mixture. Secure the cover and process with an on/off motion until the mixture comes together. |
| 4 | Shape the Dough: Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ball and then flatten it into a disc shape. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. |
| 5 | Roll Out the Pastry: After chilling, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. |
| 6 | Cut into Circles: Using a floured cutter, cut the pastry into 3 1/2 inch circles. |
| 7 | Line the Pan: Line a tart or muffin pan with the pastry circles, pressing gently to fit the shape. |
| 8 | Prepare the Custard: In a small saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and custard powder. Slowly add the water, stirring until smooth. |
| 9 | Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture just starts to boil and the sugar is dissolved. |
| 10 | Cool the Custard Base: Pour the mixture into a small bowl and allow it to cool, stirring occasionally. |
| 11 | Add Cream and Color: Once cooled, stir in the half-and-half cream and food coloring, if desired. |
| 12 | Beat the Eggs: In separate small cups, beat each egg individually with a fork. |
| 13 | Combine Ingredients: Stir the beaten eggs into the custard mixture, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. |
| 14 | Fill the Tart Shells: Carefully fill each tart shell with the custard mixture, filling them to within 1/4 inch of the top. |
| 15 | Bake to Perfection: Place the filled tarts on the bottom rack of a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the custard is set. 🕒 |
| 16 | Rest and Serve: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Serve these delectable Rich Egg Custard Tarts warm for a delightful treat that’s sure to please! 🍮 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 260.7
- Fat: 15.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Cholesterol: 115.9mg
- Sodium: 72.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.8g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 8.5g
- Protein: 4.9g
Recipe Notes:
- The prep time includes chilling the pastry dough for optimal texture.
- For a golden finish, brush the tops of the tarts with beaten egg before baking.
- Experiment with different food coloring for a fun twist on the classic custard tart!
- These tarts are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but can also be refrigerated and enjoyed cold.
These Rich Egg Custard Tarts are a delightful blend of sweet, creamy custard and buttery pastry, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a special treat with afternoon tea, these tarts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors and velvety texture of these homemade delights! 🥚🥧
