SOUTH AFRICAN MELKTERT OR MILK TART (CUSTARD PIE)

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South African Melktert or Milk Tart (Custard Pie) image

This traditional South African Melktert or Milk Tart is a variation of an egg custard pie which originated with the Dutch settlers who came South Africa in the 17th Century. Melktert was then adapted and made a purely South African creation by the Cape Malays. Apparently wives reputations hang on their Melkterts and recipes are family heirlooms. So, for something exotic and a bit different, give this a try.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 2 Pies

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 lb puff pastry
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1 pinch salt
1 cinnamon stick
3 cups milk, for boiling
2 teaspoons custard powder
3 teaspoons cornflour
3 teaspoons cake flour
2 tablespoons cold milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon almond essence
cinnamon-sugar mixture

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400o F.
  • Line bottom and sides of two pie plates (not deep dish) with puff pastry making raised edges.
  • In a pot, bring milk to a slow boil and add butter, salt and cinnamon. Reduce to simmer.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine custard powder, corn flour and cake flour. Stir in cold milk and mix to form a paste. Stir in a little of the hot milk mixture.
  • Stir custard mixture into the pot of hot milk. Add 4 tbsp of the sugar and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
  • Remove from heat once the mixture has thickened. Discard cinnamon.
  • Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar. Set Aside.
  • Beat egg yolks lightly and add a little of the custard mixture to the egg yolks.
  • Then stir the yolk/custard mixture into the main custard mixture and add almond extract.
  • Gently FOLD in the egg whites.
  • Pour the mixture into the awaiting pie pans and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Lower the temperature to 350 F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the filling has set.
  • Cool slightly and sprinkle the top of the custard pie with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Serve cold.

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