Medieval Cherry Tarts
Medieval Cherry Tarts Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Medieval Europe
Introduction
Medieval Cherry Tarts are a delightful dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages. These tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust filled with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. The combination of cherries, spices, and wine creates a delicious flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Cherry tarts have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in medieval cookbooks. Cherries were a popular fruit in medieval times, and they were often used in both sweet and savory dishes. The addition of spices and wine to the cherry filling adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the tarts.
Ingredients
Cherry Tarts
- 1.5 lb (680 g) whole cherries
- dash of rose water (optional)
- 0.25 cup sweet red wine
- 0.25 cup honey or sugar
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ginger
- dash of red wine vinegar (to taste)
- pastry dough for 1-9 inches pan, or 8-4 inches tart pans
How to prepare
Pastry Dough
- Dissolve the saffron in 0.5 cup of water. While doing that, rub the butter into the flour and then add the egg yolk and saffroned water. Stir the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. Gradually add water until the mixture just sticks together.
- To pre-bake a shell, line a pan with thinly rolled dough. Use a fork to poke holes all over the bottom of the pan, or you can use a pie weight. Bake the shell for approximately 10 minutes at 350°F, making sure not to let it start browning. Remove from the oven and fill it with the cherry tart mixture.
Cherry Tarts
- Combine the cherries, wine, and vinegar in a saucepan. Cover the pan and simmer for about 0.5 hour or until the pits can be easily removed by squishing the cherries through a colander. Put the cherry puree in a bowl and add the sugar and spices. Allow the mixture to cool. Meanwhile, line your tart pan with pastry dough and trim the edges. You can also use the remaining dough to create decorative shapes to place on top of your filled tarts.
- Add the rose water and port to the cherries. Sweeten the mixture with a little sugar, and then add the ginger. Next, add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to enhance the taste. Cook for 45 minutes or until the flavors are well combined. Use bread crumbs to thicken the mixture if needed. Let the fruit mixture cool and then fill the prepared pastry shells. Seal the shells and bake the tarts at 375º F for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Variations
- Try using different fruits such as peaches or berries in place of cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Add nuts or almond extract to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to pre-bake the pastry shell before filling it with the cherry mixture to ensure that the crust is fully cooked.
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor, but you can also use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and spices in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Decorate the tarts with pastry dough shapes for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Medieval Cherry Tarts warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Pre-bake the pastry shell to ensure a crisp and flaky crust.
- Simmer the cherry filling slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use almond flour or gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of the pastry dough.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar in the cherry filling for a natural sweetener option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the pastry dough and cherry filling ahead of time and assemble the tarts just before baking for a convenient dessert option.
Presentation Ideas
Decorate the tarts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cherry glaze for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Medieval Cherry Tarts with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful combination.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Medieval Cherry Tarts contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Medieval Cherry Tarts contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Medieval Cherry Tarts contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Medieval Cherry Tarts contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, which are important nutrients for overall health.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the flour in the pastry dough. It may also contain dairy from the butter and egg yolk.
Summary
Medieval Cherry Tarts are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.
Summary
Medieval Cherry Tarts are a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries with a flaky pastry crust. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a taste of history and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was an old, weathered piece of parchment that had been tucked away in a dusty old cookbook that I had found in the attic of my grandmother's house. As I carefully unfolded the paper, I couldn't believe my eyes. The recipe was for Medieval Cherry Tarts, a delicacy that I had never heard of before.
Growing up, I had always been fascinated by the stories of knights and princesses, of grand feasts and lavish banquets. The idea of recreating a recipe from that time period was incredibly exciting to me. I knew that I had to try my hand at making these Cherry Tarts.
The recipe itself was written in a beautiful, flowing script that was difficult to decipher. It called for ingredients that were foreign to me, such as spelt flour and rosewater. But I was determined to make it work. I spent hours researching the ingredients and techniques needed to recreate this medieval masterpiece.
I learned that spelt flour was an ancient variety of wheat that was commonly used in medieval cooking. It had a nutty flavor and a slightly coarser texture than modern wheat flour. I also discovered that rosewater was a fragrant liquid made from distilling rose petals. It was often used in medieval cooking to add a subtle floral note to dishes.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set to work in my grandmother's small kitchen. I carefully measured out the ingredients, following the instructions on the parchment to the letter. As I mixed the dough and rolled it out, I could feel a sense of anticipation building within me.
The scent of the cherries, simmering on the stove with sugar and spices, filled the kitchen with a sweet, tantalizing aroma. I carefully spooned the cherry filling into the pastry shells and sealed them with a lattice top. As I slid the tarts into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at what I had accomplished.
When the tarts emerged from the oven, golden brown and bubbling with sweet cherry goodness, I knew that I had succeeded. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to a medieval feast, surrounded by knights and jesters, with a platter of Cherry Tarts before me.
From that moment on, Medieval Cherry Tarts became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often make them for family gatherings and special occasions, delighting in the reactions of my loved ones as they savored the unique flavors of this ancient dish.
Over the years, I have continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. But the essence of the Medieval Cherry Tarts remains the same – a taste of history, a glimpse into a bygone era when food was simple yet extravagant, when flavors were bold and ingredients were pure.
As I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that I have preserved this recipe for future generations to enjoy. I hope that my grandchildren will one day uncover the old parchment in a dusty attic, just as I did, and feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I felt when I first laid eyes on the recipe for Medieval Cherry Tarts. And perhaps, they too will be inspired to carry on the tradition of cooking and baking that has brought me so much joy throughout my life.
Categories
| Cherry Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Game Of Thrones Recipes | Medieval Recipes | Tart Shell Recipes |