Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a delightful British treat perfect for any occasion. These tarts feature a sweet, soft pastry filled with rich almond goodness and a hint of raspberry jam. Their charming appearance makes them ideal for afternoon tea, festive gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack at home. You’ll love how easy they are to make while enjoying their unique flavors that showcase classic British baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of almond extract and raspberry jam creates a deliciously sweet experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these delightful tarts.
• Perfect for Events: Ideal for parties, picnics, or cozy afternoons at home.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm or cold; they make a fantastic addition to any dessert table.
• Impressive Presentation: Beautifully topped with flaked almonds, these tarts are sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Mary Berry Congress Tarts, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything prepared will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Cupcake tin
• Baking paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect pastry thickness for your tarts.
• Cupcake tin: Provides the right shape and size for your tarts, ensuring even baking.
• Wire rack: Allows your tarts to cool evenly after baking to maintain their texture.

Ingredients

To make Mary Berry Congress Tarts, you will need the following 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

1. Blitz the plain flour and unsalted butter (cold) in a mixing bowl until crumbly in texture.
2. Mix in the sugar, large egg, and enough cold water to form a dough.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter (for filling) and caster sugar.
2. Beat in the beaten large egg, followed by the almond extract.
3. Fold in the dry ingredients which include ground almonds, additional plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface until it’s about 0.5cm thick.
3. Cut circles from the pastry and line each compartment of your cupcake tin.
4. Prick each base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
5. Spoon some raspberry jam into each tart base before adding the almond filling on top.
6. Finish by sprinkling with flaked almonds.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Once baked, allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Mary Berry Congress Tarts! Perfectly sweetened and wonderfully textured, these treats will surely be a hit!

How to Serve Mary Berry Congress Tarts

These delightful tarts are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a festive dessert table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Afternoon Tea

• Serve the tarts alongside a selection of teas for a traditional British afternoon tea experience. Pair with scones and finger sandwiches for variety.

With Fresh Berries

• Top the tarts with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. This adds a refreshing contrast and vibrant color to your presentation.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream on the side. The creamy texture complements the tart’s rich filling perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the tarts before serving. This indulgent touch will please chocolate lovers.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream on top or on the side for added richness and creaminess that balances the tartness.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Congress Tarts

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

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the pastry dough before rolling helps it maintain its shape and prevents shrinking while baking.

• Use Quality Jam: High-quality seedless raspberry jam enhances flavor and provides a luscious layer in each tart.

• Don’t Overmix Filling: When incorporating dry ingredients into the almond filling, mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake; remove them when they’re golden to prevent overcooking.

• Cool Completely: Allow the tarts to cool completely on a wire rack before serving, ensuring they set up nicely and don’t become soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Congress Tarts

To complement your Mary Berry Congress Tarts, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance your dessert experience.

1. Earl Grey Tea
   A fragrant tea that pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries, adding an aromatic element to your meal.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the tarts, providing a burst of freshness.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as tangy goat cheese or creamy brie, can offer a savory contrast to sweet desserts.

4. Mini Sandwiches
   Assorted mini sandwiches with cucumber or smoked salmon add savory bites that pair well with sweet treats.

5. Pavlova
   This light meringue dessert topped with fruit can be served alongside for an elegant touch at any gathering.

6. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
   These decadent bites make for an indulgent addition and provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Incorrect dough consistency: If the dough is too wet or dry, it won’t hold together. Always add cold water gradually until the right texture is achieved.
• Skipping chilling time: Failing to chill the pastry can lead to shrinkage during baking. Make sure to wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overfilling with jam: Adding too much jam can cause overflow while baking. Stick to 1 teaspoon per tart for the perfect balance.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F before placing your tarts inside.
• Ignoring baking times: Tarts that are underbaked will be soggy, while overbaked ones can become tough. Keep an eye on them and bake until golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place tarts in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Mary Berry Congress Tarts.

What is the best way to make the pastry?

The best way is to blend cold butter with flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then, gradually add cold water and mix until just combined.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes! You can substitute ground almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my tarts are done?

Your tarts are done when they’re golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

What if I don’t have seedless raspberry jam?

You can use any fruit jam you prefer, just avoid those with large chunks of fruit.

Can I customize the filling of Mary Berry Congress Tarts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding spices or using different extracts in the almond filling.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether served at afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner, they can easily be customized with various jams or nut fillings. Give this recipe a try; you’re bound to impress your friends and family!