Mary Berry's Portuguese Tarts: A Sweet Delight!
Mary Berry's Portuguese Tarts, a delightful variation of the classic pastel de nata, offers a sweet and creamy custard encased in a flaky puff pastry, topped with apricot slices and a glistening apricot jam glaze. A favorite worldwide, these tarts are not just a dessert but a slice of culinary art. The combination of the creamy custard, buttery pastry, and juicy apricots creates an unforgettable dessert experience, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a personal treat.
Ingredients List
- Ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry (320g packet)
- Apricots, drained and sliced (½ x 400g tin)
- Demerara sugar (15g or ½oz)
- Apricot jam, melted (About 3 tbsp)
For the Custard:
- Milk (250ml or 9fl oz)
- Pouring double cream (100ml or 3½fl oz)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Large egg and 2 egg yolks
- Caster sugar (115g or 4oz)
- Cornflour (4 level tsp)
Preparation Instructions
- Preparation: Arrange a 12-hole deep muffin tin and preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.
- Making the Custard: Heat milk, cream, and vanilla in a saucepan until hand hot. In a bowl, whisk the whole egg, egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour. Gradually add the hot milk mixture, whisking until smooth. Return the mix to the saucepan and heat until it reaches a thick custard consistency. Let it cool covered with cling film.
- Pastry Prep: Unroll the pastry, cut it lengthways and stack the strips. Cut in half widthways. Roll out thinly to cut 5 discs using a 10cm cutter. Repeat for a total of 10 discs.
- Assembling the Tarts: Place pastry rounds in the muffin tin, pressing firmly and pricking the bases with a fork. Fill with cold custard and top with apricot slices. Chill for 30 minutes if possible.
- Baking: Sprinkle demerara sugar over the tarts. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the custard is set.
- Finishing Touches: Cool slightly and brush with melted apricot jam before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values vary, these tarts contain calories primarily from sugar and pastry (carbs and fats). The custard provides protein from the eggs and dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Yes, you can replace apricots with strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
How Do I Prevent the Custard from Curdling?
Whisk the custard ingredients thoroughly and cook over medium heat, avoiding boiling.
Can These Tarts Be Made in Advance?
Yes, they can be prepared a day ahead and stored appropriately.
Mary Berry's Portuguese Tarts are an exquisite treat that balances the simplicity of baking with the elegance of dessert presentation. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a delightful challenge with a delicious reward. Serve these tarts at your next gathering or enjoy them as a personal treat, and experience a world-renowned culinary delight in your own kitchen!