Would You Like Tea With Your Custard Tarts?
Posted by young traveller on 07/26/08 in Travel
Both of these delightful items make for a great afternoon of snacking in the garden. Tea and custard tarts are definitely very English.
As you well know, the tea in England is not the same as we drink in America. Most of England’s tea blends are made from Indian derived leaves and are somewhat bitter to the taste. The English usually add milk to their tea. It’s the great cure for all ills and adversities. You’re roof is leaking, your dog has run off, your child had a bad school report ? sit down and console yourself with a cup of tea, the savior in any crisis.No wonder, then, that tea is found in every nook and cranny of the country, from Royal palaces to ‘Greasy Spoons’ ? roadside diners to you and me. Even the tea cups and pots are made by famous names, and many end up on the antiques list and are collected the world over. Some teapots are over two hundred years old and still look as great today as they did then. No matter where the English choose to enjoy their afternoon tea, you can be sure that the rest of their countrymen and women are doing the same thing. And since the English have a very sweet tooth, it’s a good bet that along with the tea, many are enjoying a cake or biscuit or the old English favorite, a custard tart. These were popular at the court of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century and have never gone out of fashion since.Made into an individual tart or one large enough to feed a crowd, custard tarts are a delicate affair. A short crust pastry shell ? pre-baked ? is filled with velvety, slightly sweetened egg custard and baked until just set. Traditionalists will sprinkle the tart with grated nutmeg and serve it just a little warm, but you could also top it with fruit or serve some fresh strawberries alongside.But whatever you do , don’t forget the tea!
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Tags: afternoon tea, countrymen, cup of tea, custard tarts, delicate affair, egg custard, famous names, food and culture, fresh strawberries, grated nutmeg, nook and cranny, pastry shell, queen elizabeth, roadside diners, royal palaces, short crust pastry, sweet tooth, tea blends, tea cups, traditionalists
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