Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Delight in the quintessentially British treat, Mary Berry's Congress Tarts, a perfect blend of buttery pastry, sweet jam, and a rich almond frangipane. These tarts are a testament to traditional British baking, offering a splendid treat for afternoon teas or as a delightful dessert.

Brief Description of the Recipe Mary Berry's Congress Tarts combine a crisp shortcrust pastry with a layer of raspberry jam, topped with a soft, almond-flavored frangipane. The result is a deliciously sweet tart that's as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Cultural or Historical Context The Congress Tart is a traditional British bake, bearing resemblance to the Bakewell Tart, a staple in British cuisine. It represents a long-standing baking tradition, showcasing the classic combination of jam and almonds.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Pastry Ingredients:

• Flour: 220g
• Caster sugar: 75g
• Unsalted butter: 110g
• Egg: 1
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon

Filling Ingredients:

• Seedless raspberry jam: 12 teaspoons
• Ground almonds: 80g
• Flour: 15g
• Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Caster sugar: 50g
• Unsalted butter: 50g
• Egg: 1
• Almond extract: 1 teaspoon

Decoration:

• Blanched almonds: 4
• Flaked almonds: 1 tablespoon

Preparation Instructions

1. Make the Pastry: Combine flour, salt, sugar, and butter in a food processor, then add an egg to form a dough. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: Mix ground almonds, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Melt butter, cool slightly, then incorporate into dry ingredients along with an egg and almond extract.
3. Assemble Tarts: Roll out dough, cut into rounds, and place in a baking tin. Add a teaspoon of jam to each base, followed by the almond filling. Decorate with almonds or pastry crosses.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven and bake until golden. Let cool before serving.

Storage and Reheating Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven if desired.

Nutritional Information Each serving provides a balance of carbs, fats, and protein, with specific calorie counts dependent on the size of the tarts.

FAQ about Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Can I use different types of jam? Yes, while raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors.
• How do I prevent the pastry from becoming too hard? Avoid overworking the dough and ensure it is chilled sufficiently.
• Can these tarts be made gluten-free? Yes, by substituting the flour for a gluten-free blend.

For those seeking a taste of British baking tradition, Mary Berry's Congress Tarts offer a delightful experience. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts promise to impress with their combination of flavors and textures​​​​​​.