Melktert
Introduction – If you ask any local in South Africa “What is a typical South African dessert?” Your answer will probably be Melktert!
This delicious milk based pudding is infused with cinnamon and vanilla flavors and generally set in a graham cracker crust. More traditional recipes use a pastry shell which I have outlined below. This makes an elegant dinner party dessert.
This delicate refrigerated dessert is best enjoyed during hot summer months. From my kitchen to yours please enjoy this Culinary Occasions version of Melktert!
Recipe
Makes 12 tarts
Ingredients
Pastry
125g butter
80ml sugar
1 egg beaten
375ml flour
5ml baking powder
Filling
150ml sweetened condensed milk
600ml milk
1 egg
5ml vanilla essence
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3ml salt
15ml lemon juice
10ml cinnamon powder
Method
For the pastry, cream the butter and sugar.
Add the egg and beat well.
Add the flour and baking powder and mix well.
Wrap the dough in clingwrap and refrigerate for an hour.
Grease a 12 cup muffin pan and gently press the dough into each cup.
Prick the base of each cup with a fork to release steam during baking.
Bake in a 375 F oven for 10 - 15 minutes until golden brown.
To make the custard combine all the remaining ingredients except the cinnamon powder in a saucepan.
Stirring continuously bring the custard to a boil. Cook until mixture has thickened into a custard consistency.
Pour the custard into each muffin cup and sprinkle with cinnamon powder.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the custard and enjoy!