Melktert facts for kids
A freshly baked melktert
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| Type | Tart |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Dutch Cape Colony (now South Africa) |
| Main ingredients | Pastry crust, milk, flour, sugar, eggs |
Melktert (which means milk tart in Afrikaans) is a yummy South African dessert. It has a sweet pastry crust and a creamy filling. This filling is like a custard, made from milk, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Melktert is known for its light texture. It also has a strong milk flavor. This is because it uses more milk compared to eggs than other similar tarts.
What is Melktert?
Melktert is a popular dessert from South Africa. It's a type of tart, which means it has a baked crust with a filling. The crust is usually a sweet, crumbly pastry. The inside is a smooth, milky custard.
The word "Melktert" comes from the Afrikaans language. "Melk" means milk, and "tert" means tart. So, it's literally a "milk tart"!
A Sweet History
Melktert first appeared in the 17th century. It was created by Dutch settlers in the Dutch Cape Colony. This area is now known as South Africa.
Many people believe Melktert came from a Dutch dessert called mattentaart. This old dessert was a bit like a cheesecake. It was even mentioned in a cookbook from around 1514!
How Melktert is Made
Making Melktert involves two main parts: the crust and the filling. The crust is a simple sweet pastry. The filling is a custard made from milk, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Sometimes, the custard is baked right inside the crust. Other times, the custard is made first. Then, it's placed into the baked crust just before serving. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top is a common finishing touch. Sometimes, a cinnamon stick is even used to flavor the milk for the custard.
Enjoying Melktert
Melktert is a very common dessert in South Africa. You can find it in many supermarkets. It's also a favorite at church events and local markets.
You can enjoy Melktert in different ways. Some people like it chilled from the fridge. Others prefer it at room temperature. A slightly warm slice is also a delicious option!
