Indulge your sweet cravings with the timeless charm of Maids of Honor Tarts, a classic Southern dessert that has captivated taste buds for generations. These delightful tarts feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a luscious filling of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of spices, all enveloped in a delicate pastry shell. Experience the delightful variations of this iconic treat, from the traditional recipe brimming with plump raisins, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts to the indulgent chocolate version that boasts a rich, decadent filling. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect crust, achieving the ideal balance of flavors in the filling, and mastering the art of shaping and baking these delectable treats. Embark on a culinary journey to recreate these beloved tarts, a true celebration of Southern heritage and culinary artistry.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PRUE LEITH'S MAIDS OF HONOUR
Puff-pastry tartlets filled with sweetened curd cheese are said to have been a favourite of Henry VIII - who enjoyed them served at tea time in Hampton Court Palace. We think he would have been particularly fond of these versions made by Prue.
Categories Pastry
Yield Serves 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the curd cheese, pour the milk into a large pan and add the salt. Bring to a very gentle boil over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Leave to stand without stirring for 5 minutes, until the curds separate from the whey.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared sieve and leave to drain into the bowl for at least 30 minutes, until cool. Tip the curd cheese into a separate bowl. You should have just over 200g of curd cheese.
- For the rough puff pastry, mix the flour and salt together in a bowl. Rub in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Gradually add 5-7 tablespoons of water to form a dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a rectangle measuring 30 x 12cm. Grate half of the frozen butter over the bottom two thirds of the dough. Fold down the top third and fold up the bottom third as if you were folding a letter. Rotate the dough through 90 degrees and roll it again into a 30 x 12cm rectangle.
- Grate the remaining frozen butter over the bottom two thirds of the dough. Fold down the top third and fold up the bottom third as if you were folding a letter. Rotate the dough through 90 degrees. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and leave to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and folding of the pastry twice more, each time wrapping in cling film and leaving to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- For the lemon curd, put the lemon zest and juice and the sugar and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted, then whisk in the beaten egg. Gently whisk the mixture over the heat for about 10 minutes, until thickened like custard. Pour the cooked curd through a sieve into a clean bowl to remove the zest, then leave to cool and set.
- Heat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/425°F/Gas 7. Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick and, using a 10cm round cutter, cut out 12 rounds. Use these to line the 12-hole muffin tray, then line each with a square of baking paper. Fill with baking beans and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and set aside.
- For the filling, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/350°F/Gas 4. Place the curd cheese, lemon zest, sugar, flour and eggs into a bowl and whisk together until smooth.
- Place 1 teaspoon of lemon curd into the base of each pastry case, then pour the filling into the cases until they are full, but not overflowing. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set, then transfer the tray to a wire rack and allow the tarts to cool.
- Hold the stencil over a tart and dust with icing sugar to create a rose motif. Repeat for the remaining tarts.
MAIDS-OF-HONOR
These dainty cookies melt in your mouth. Legend has it that they are named after the ladies in waiting to an English queen.
Provided by Dlynn
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time 40m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup flour and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter until smaller than peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of milk at a time over the dough until moistened. Form dough into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2 inch circles using a cookie or biscuit cutter. Press circles into the bottom and up the sides of ungreased mini muffin cups. set aside.
- In a medium bowl, cream together 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon flour. Beat in the eggs and sherry, then stir in the ground almonds. Place 1/4 teaspoon of jam into the bottom of the lined cups. Cover with 1 tablespoon of the almond mixture.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the tops are lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before removing from muffin tins to cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.5 g, Cholesterol 23.3 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 35.5 mg, Sugar 8 g
MAIDS OF HONOUR TARTS
These traditional English tarts are made from puff pastry filled with almond-flavoured curd cheese, and are said to date from the time of King Henry VIII. They are quick as anything to prepare. Equipment: You will need a 12-hole non-stick patty tin and a 9cm/3½in biscuit cutter.
Provided by BBC Food
Categories Desserts
Yield Makes 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
- Roll the pastry out slightly thinner than a one pound coin, then stamp out twelve 9cm/3½in rounds and use to line a 12-hole non-stick patty tin. Place the tray of pastry discs in the fridge while you make the filling.
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg, flour, ground almonds, nutmeg (or ground mace) and lemon zest. Stir in the curd cheese, being careful not to overwork the mixture as it can split.
- Spoon the mixture into the tart cases and bake for 25 minutes, or until risen and lightly browned on top. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely before serving.
MAID OF HONOUR TARTS
This is a recipe we used at home many years ago.The recipe was in an old recipe book complied by the makers of Five Roses Flour (1938, Lake of the Woods Milling Co.) I always enjoyed them.
Provided by Shar-on
Categories Tarts
Time 30m
Yield 15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Prepare pastry and line the tart shells.
- Mix the beaten egg, sugar and butter together until creamy.
- Add vanilla and walnuts.
- If desired, a little jam or jelly may be placed in each tart shell before adding the nut mixture.
- Place a spoonful of nut mixture into each tart shell.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until filling is delicately browned, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
MAIDS OF HONOUR - OLD ENGLISH TUDOR CHEESECAKES
These are the forerunner of modern baked cheesecakes, and this recipe originates from one of the first documented versions of this recipe. Curd cheese was very popular as an ingredient for desserts many hundreds of years ago, and these delightful little tarts have a Royal lineage; the story is that whilst Henry VIII was strolling in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace, he came across a group of ladies in waiting (to his queen, Catherine of Aragon), one of whom was Anne Boleyn - whom subsequently became his second wife; they offered him some of these tarts and he enjoyed them so much, that he named them after the Maids of Honour. I always make these for afternoon tea - they are delightfully light and fragranced with delicate orange flower water or rose water. Use any dried fruits that you have available - I find a mixture of seedless raisins and chopped candied peel works very well.
Provided by French Tart
Categories Tarts
Time 30m
Yield 12 Maids of Honour Tarts, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 220C/450F/gas7 and lightly grease a 12 hole bun or muffin tin.
- Roll out the pastry and stamp out 12 fluted rounds - try to make sure that they are at least 1/4" bigger than needed, as the puff pastry shrinks during baking.
- Line the bun tray with the pastry rounds and chill them whilst making the filling.
- Place the curd cheese or cottage cheese into a large mixing bowl and add the beaten eggs, cream, sugar, orange flower water or rose water and almonds.
- Mix well and then add the mixed dried fruit, mixing again well.
- Spoon the filling into the pastry cases and bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes or until well-risen, golden brown & firm to the touch.
- Allow them to cool a little and then carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Arrange them on an attractive cake platter and sprinkle with icing sugar to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.8, Fat 23.6, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 73.8, Sodium 125.7, Carbohydrate 33.6, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 9.1, Protein 7.9
MAIDS OF HONOR (TARTS)
This is posted for ZWT6. It is from an old international recipe book submitted by Home Ec Teachers all over the US.
Provided by Lavender Lynn
Categories Tarts
Time 27m
Yield 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat until light.
- Add sifted flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Form small balls between hands and put into small cupcake pans or muffin pans.
- Make a deep hole in center by pushing up around edges.
- Mix jam and nuts together; fill tarts.
- Bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Top with whipped cream when serving.
Tips:
- Prep your ingredients in advance: This will help you save time and ensure that you have everything you need before you start baking.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your tarts will taste. Look for fresh fruits and vegetables, and use real butter and cream.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will make the dough tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help the dough to hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the tarts until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set: The baking time will vary depending on the type of tart you are making, so keep an eye on them.
- Let the tarts cool completely before serving: This will help the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Maids of Honor Tarts are a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit filling or something more unique, these tarts are sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a special treat, give Maids of Honor Tarts a try. You won't be disappointed!
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