Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a delightful treat that brings a touch of British charm to any occasion. These tarts boast a tender pastry filled with sweet almond and raspberry flavors, making them perfect for afternoon tea, special celebrations, or a cozy dessert at home. The combination of rich ingredients and easy preparation ensures that you’ll impress your guests while enjoying the process of making these delectable treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic British Flavor: Experience the traditional taste of British desserts with these charming tarts.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet snack during the day.
• Nutritious Almond Filling: The ground almonds add nutritional value along with a delightful flavor and texture.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different jams or toppings to suit your preferences!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Mary Berry Congress Tarts, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Cupcake tin
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps you combine ingredients effectively without spills.
• Rolling pin: This tool is essential for rolling out pastry dough evenly, ensuring consistent thickness for your tarts.
• Cupcake tin: Using a cupcake tin allows you to shape the tarts perfectly and provides uniform baking results.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 275g plain flour (2 cups)
• 125g unsalted butter (cold, cubed) (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tbsp cold water

For the Filling:

• 12-14 tsp seedless raspberry jam
• 60g caster sugar (1/3 cup)
• 60g unsalted butter (softened) (1/4 cup)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 60g ground almonds (2/3 cup)
• 30g plain flour (3 ½ tbsp)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Flaked almonds

How to Make Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. Blitz the plain flour and cold butter in a food processor until the mixture looks crumbly.
2. Add in the sugar, egg, and cold water; mix well until it forms a soft dough.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the beaten egg and stir in the almond extract. Mix until combined.
3. Fold in the dry ingredients: add in the ground almonds, additional plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Bake Your Tarts

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Roll out your chilled pastry on a floured surface until it’s about 0.5cm thick.
3. Cut circles from the pastry large enough to line each cupcake tin compartment.
4. Prick the bases of each pastry circle with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
5. Place about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each pastry base, followed by spooning in the almond filling mixture on top.
6. Sprinkle flaked almonds on top of each tart before placing them in the oven.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove your tarts from the oven and cool them on a wire rack before serving.
2. Enjoy your delicious Mary Berry Congress Tarts warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for an afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these tarts are sure to impress.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
• Citrus slices: Lemon or orange slices add a refreshing contrast.

Accompany with Cream

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the tart’s sweetness.
• Clotted Cream: Traditional British clotted cream adds richness and a decadent touch.

Include Beverages

• Tea: Offer a pot of your favorite brewed tea for a classic pairing.
• Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Perfecting Mary Berry Congress Tarts is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your tarts turn out beautifully every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the pastry dough to chill helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter and high-quality raspberry jam will enhance overall flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Gently folding in dry ingredients keeps the almond filling light and airy.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tarts in the oven; they should be golden but not over-baked.
• Cool Completely: Letting them cool on a wire rack ensures they maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Serving side dishes alongside Mary Berry Congress Tarts can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the jam perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a savory balance to the sweet tarts.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce creates a rich contrast that many will enjoy.
5. Custard Sauce: A smooth custard pairs well, enhancing both flavor and texture.
6. Nuts Mix: A mix of toasted nuts provides crunch and an added layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mary Berry Congress Tarts can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Ensure you measure ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can alter the texture and flavor of your tarts.
• Bold neglecting chill time: Chilling the pastry for at least 30 minutes is crucial. Skipping this step may result in a tough crust instead of a tender one.
• Bold overfilling tarts: When adding the jam and almond filling, avoid overfilling. This can cause spills during baking and affect the final presentation.
• Bold improper baking temperature: Preheating your oven is essential. Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking or burnt edges.
• Bold not cooling properly: Allow the tarts to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Place cooled tarts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date.

Reheating Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat each tart for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place tarts in a covered skillet over low heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mary Berry Congress Tarts.

How do I make my pastry flakier?

To achieve a flakier pastry, ensure your butter is cold when mixing and avoid overworking the dough.

Can I substitute other jams?

Yes! You can use any seedless jam of your choice, such as apricot or strawberry, for a different flavor profile in Mary Berry Congress Tarts.

What if I don’t have ground almonds?

If you don’t have ground almonds, you can substitute them with finely chopped nuts or additional flour, though it might change the texture slightly.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry and filling ahead of time and assemble them before baking for fresh tarts.

How should I serve Mary Berry Congress Tarts?

These tarts are delightful on their own or served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent dessert for any occasion or an afternoon treat. Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite jams or nuts for a unique twist!