South African Melktert or Milk Tart (Custard Pie) |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 64 |
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This traditional South African Melktert or Milk Tart is a variation of an egg custard pie which originated with the Dutch settlers who came South Africa in the 17th Century. Melktert was then adapted and made a purely South African creation by the Cape Malays. Apparently wives reputations hang on their Melkterts and recipes are family heirlooms. So, for something exotic and a bit different, give this a try. Ingredients:
1/2 lb puff pastry |
1 1/2 teaspoons butter |
1 pinch salt |
1 cinnamon stick |
3 cups milk, for boiling |
2 teaspoons custard powder |
3 teaspoons cornflour |
3 teaspoons cake flour |
2 tablespoons cold milk |
1/2 cup sugar |
4 large eggs, separated |
1/2 teaspoon almond essence |
cinnamon-sugar mixture |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400o F.
2. Line bottom and sides of two pie plates (not deep dish) with puff pastry making raised edges.
3. In a pot, bring milk to a slow boil and add butter, salt and cinnamon. Reduce to simmer.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine custard powder, corn flour and cake flour. Stir in cold milk and mix to form a paste. Stir in a little of the hot milk mixture.
5. Stir custard mixture into the pot of hot milk. Add 4 tbsp of the sugar and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
6. Remove from heat once the mixture has thickened. Discard cinnamon.
7. Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar. Set Aside.
8. Beat egg yolks lightly and add a little of the custard mixture to the egg yolks.
9. Then stir the yolk/custard mixture into the main custard mixture and add almond extract.
10. Gently FOLD in the egg whites.
11. Pour the mixture into the awaiting pie pans and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
12. Lower the temperature to 350 F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the filling has set.
13. Cool slightly and sprinkle the top of the custard pie with cinnamon and sugar.
14. Serve cold.
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