Inspiration:
Eostre, the dawn-bringer, is celebrated for her association with fertility and new beginnings. The Sweet Blossom Tart, a delicately sweet tribute to the goddess, evoking the vibrant promise of spring in a Germanic inspired dessert.
Gathering of Ingredients
For Pastry:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons ice water
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup honey (preferably raw or wildflower)
- ½ cup ground almonds (almond meal)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
Method
- Prepare the Pastry:
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add egg yolk and 1-2 tablespoons of ice cold water. Mix until a dough forms. Lightly knead to bring it together, form a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Prebake:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Gently press it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the tart shell for 12-15 minutes until lightly set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and honey until smooth.
- Stir in the ground almonds, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and rose water (if using) until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling into the prebaked tart shell, smoothing the top.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges slightly wobbly in the centre.
Finish and Garnish:
Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack.
Just before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar and arrange edible flowers or orange slices on top for a burst of colour and a floral note.
Hearthkeeper’s Secret:
“As you slice into this tart, let the delicate aroma of honey and almonds remind you that spring is a time of sweet renewal. Place a single edible flower on your plate as a token of gratitude for each new beginning—a small, edible blessing to carry the spirit of Eostre with you.
