Pinkie Gooseberry and Elderflower Bakewell Tarts: A Sweet Symphony

 

Indulge in the delightful fusion of tangy pinkie gooseberries and the subtle floral notes of elderflower with this exquisite recipe for Bakewell tarts. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a charming dessert, these tarts are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

  - 500g plain flour

  - 100g icing sugar

  - 250g cold butter, cubed

  - 1 vanilla pod (seeds scraped)

  - 2 free-range eggs

For the Gooseberry and Elderflower Jam:

  - A knob of butter

  - 225g gooseberries, topped and tailed

  - 150ml water

  - 225g granulated sugar

  - 1 tbsp elderflower cordial

For the Frangipane:

  - 3 free-range eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

  - 150g soft butter

  - 150g caster sugar

  - 150g ground almonds

  - 100g untoasted flaked almonds

Method:

1. Pastry Preparation:

   - Pulse flour, icing sugar, and butter in a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

   - Add vanilla seeds and pulse briefly.

   - Transfer to a bowl, add eggs, and form a paste.

   - Roll into a ball, flatten, cover in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Jam Creation:

   - Smear a saucepan with butter, add gooseberries and water, and simmer until tender.

   - Reduce heat, add sugar, stir until dissolved, then boil until setting point is reached.

   - Cool slightly before stirring in the elderflower cordial.

3. Frangipane Filling:

   - Beat eggs in a jug and set aside.

   - Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs.

   - Stir in ground almonds.

4. Assembling the Tarts:

   - Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

   - Grease petit four tins.

   - Roll out pastry, line tins, and chill for 30 minutes.

   - Spoon jam into tart cases, top with frangipane.

   - Bake for 15 minutes, then decorate with flaked almonds and bake until golden-brown.

Serve these charming tarts with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the nutty frangipane against the sharpness of the gooseberries, all brought t

ogether by the enchanting aroma of elderflower.