Maids of Honour: A Recipe Fit for Royalty (and Your Next Gathering!)

The Maids of Honour tartlets are a classic, elegant dessert, often associated with royalty and special occasions. Their delicate pastry crust, filled with a creamy, subtly sweet almond filling, makes them a true delight. This post will guide you through creating these miniature masterpieces, perfect for afternoon tea, a celebratory dinner, or simply a sweet treat for yourself.

Understanding the Maids of Honour Tartlets

These aren't your average tarts. The key to authentic Maids of Honour lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crisp, buttery pastry shell provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, almond-flavored filling. The subtle sweetness isn't overpowering, making them refreshingly light yet satisfying.

The name itself hints at their historical significance, often linked to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. While the exact origin story remains debated, the enduring popularity of these tartlets speaks to their timeless appeal.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe provides enough for approximately 12 Maids of Honour tartlets.

For the Pastry:

• 175g plain flour
• 75g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 25g icing sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp iced water

For the Filling:

• 100g ground almonds
• 100g caster sugar
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Zest of ½ lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Pastry:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and icing sugar.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add egg yolk and water: Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add the iced water, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
5. Roll and bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles to fit your tartlet tins. Press the pastry into the tins, ensuring an even base and sides. Blind bake the shells for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until lightly golden.

Making the Filling:

1. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and almond extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract.
3. Incorporate almonds and lemon zest: Gently fold in the ground almonds and lemon zest until well combined.
4. Fill the tartlets: Spoon the almond filling into the pre-baked tartlet shells, filling them almost to the top.

Baking the Maids of Honour:

1. Bake: Bake the filled tartlets for 20-25 minutes at 160°C (320°F) or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
2. Cool: Allow the Maids of Honour to cool completely in the tins before carefully removing them.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Maids of Honour slightly warm or at room temperature. A dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds an extra touch of elegance. They are perfect served with afternoon tea, alongside coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
• Don't overwork the pastry: Overworking the dough will result in a tough pastry.
• Blind baking is crucial: This prevents a soggy bottom.
• Allow the tartlets to cool completely: This prevents the filling from becoming runny.

By following this recipe and these tips, you can create beautiful and delicious Maids of Honour tartlets that are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Enjoy!