Maids of Honour recipe is a delightful creation that once graced the royal courts of Henry VIII. These traditional tarts, with their rich history and indulgent filling, are a true British classic. Encased in a buttery pastry and filled with a luscious cheese mixture, they are perfect for an elegant afternoon tea or a special dessert.
Did you know that Maids of Honour tarts date back to the 16th century? Legend has it that Henry VIII stumbled upon Anne Boleyn and her maids of honour enjoying these delectable tarts. So enchanted was he by their flavour that he ordered the recipe to be closely guarded. Today, these tarts are a beloved part of British culinary heritage, often served with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of lemon curd.
Maids of Honour tarts shine as part of a sophisticated tea spread. Pair them with a pot of Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea for a truly classic experience. If you're looking to add a bit of variety, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit compote. For an added touch, garnish each tart with a small edible flower or a twist of lemon zest.
To keep your Maids of Honour tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay delightful at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer to refrigerate them, they will last up to five days. Ensure they are well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
We hope you enjoy making and savouring this Maids of Honour recipe. These tarts are a charming addition to any gathering and a delightful way to bring a touch of royalty to your table. Share your experiences and photos in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more timeless recipes and culinary stories.
Maids of Honour tarts are a historic British delicacy, believed to have originated in the court of Henry VIII. These delectable pastries feature a buttery crust filled with a rich mixture of curd cheese, lemon curd, and ground almonds. Perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, these tarts are a delightful treat for any occasion, particularly when served with a cup of tea. Experience a taste of royalty with this classic recipe that has stood the test of time.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and icing sugar. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and enough cold water to bring the dough together.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
If using curd cheese, ensure it is well-drained. If using ricotta, drain any excess liquid.
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the cheese, ground almonds, lemon zest, lemon curd, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thick. Use a 9cm round cutter to cut out 12 rounds and line a 12-hole muffin tin with the pastry rounds.
Place a small teaspoon of lemon curd in the base of each pastry case. Spoon the cheese mixture over the lemon curd, filling each case almost to the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
Allow the tarts to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
