Easter Lemon Curd Tarts

Easter Lemon Curd Tarts Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Treat

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Easter Lemon Curd Tarts are a delightful and tangy dessert that is perfect for the spring season. These tarts are made with a creamy lemon curd filling that is both sweet and tart, all nestled in a flaky tart shell. They are the perfect treat to serve at your Easter brunch or dinner.

History

Lemon curd has been a popular dessert filling for centuries, with its origins dating back to England in the 19th century. It was traditionally served with scones or toast, but has since been used in a variety of desserts, including tarts. The combination of the zesty lemon flavor with the buttery tart shell makes for a delicious and refreshing treat.

Ingredients

4 lemons, zest only
1.33 cups granulated sugar
1.13 cups lemon juice
6 eggs
1 lb (454 g) softened butter
1 package prepared tart shells

How to prepare

Whisk the first four ingredients together over a double boiler until thick.
Strain the mixture and then add butter, stirring well.
Chill the mixture and then fill tart shells.
Garnish with fruit and/or whipped cream.

Variations

Try using lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the lemon curd mixture for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to whisk the lemon curd mixture constantly over the double boiler to prevent it from curdling.

- Straining the mixture before adding the butter will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Chill the lemon curd before filling the tart shells to allow it to set properly.

- Garnish the tarts with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easter Lemon Curd Tarts with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the lemon curd mixture constantly over a double boiler will help prevent curdling.

- Straining the mixture before adding the butter will ensure a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use store-bought lemon curd instead of making your own for a quicker option.

- Use store-bought tart shells if you don't have time to make your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the lemon curd filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fill the tart shells.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tarts with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Easter Lemon Curd Tarts with a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling wine for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Easter Lemon Curd Tarts contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Easter Lemon Curd Tarts contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Easter Lemon Curd Tarts contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Easter Lemon Curd Tarts contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon curd is a good source of vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Easter Lemon Curd Tarts are a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, but also provides a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Easter Lemon Curd Tarts are a delicious and refreshing dessert option that is perfect for the spring season. With a creamy lemon curd filling and a flaky tart shell, these tarts are sure to be a hit at your Easter celebration.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a bright and sunny day in the springtime, right before Easter. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for inspiration for a new dessert to make for our family gathering. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a small, tattered piece of parchment tucked away in the back.

Curious, I carefully unfolded the paper and read the words scrawled in elegant script: Easter Lemon Curd Tarts. My heart skipped a beat as memories flooded back to me - memories of my dear friend Margaret, who had shared this recipe with me many years ago.

Margaret was a neighbor of mine back in the old neighborhood, a sweet and kind-hearted woman who loved to bake. She was always inviting me over for tea and treats, and I treasured those afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen. It was during one of these visits that she taught me how to make her famous Lemon Curd Tarts.

I remember the way she measured out the ingredients with precision, her hands moving deftly as she cracked eggs, squeezed lemons, and melted butter. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of citrus and sugar, and I watched in awe as she transformed simple ingredients into something truly magical.

As Margaret spooned the lemon curd into delicate pastry shells, she shared stories of her own grandmother - a formidable woman with a knack for baking. She spoke of family gatherings and holiday feasts, of traditions passed down through generations. And as I listened, I felt a deep sense of connection to her and to the recipe she was teaching me.

After the tarts had cooled and set, Margaret and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy our handiwork. The first bite was pure bliss - a burst of tangy lemon curd enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, grateful for the gift of friendship and the joy of creating something delicious together.

From that day on, Easter Lemon Curd Tarts became a beloved tradition in my own family. Every year, as the holiday approached, I would gather my loved ones in the kitchen and pass on Margaret's recipe, just as she had passed it on to me. We would bake and laugh and reminisce, creating new memories to cherish for years to come.

And now, as I hold this worn piece of parchment in my hands, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Margaret may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every batch of Lemon Curd Tarts I make. And for that, I am truly blessed.

So this Easter, as we gather around the table to share a meal and celebrate together, I will serve these tarts with love and gratitude in my heart. For they are more than just a dessert - they are a reminder of the bonds we share, the traditions we uphold, and the joy of creating something beautiful out of simple ingredients. And I will always be thankful for the day I found this recipe, a treasure that will forever hold a special place in my heart.