Travel back to 14th-century England with Tart de Bry, a rich and flavorful medieval cheese tart. Found in The Forme of Cury, one of the oldest English cookbooks, this dish is an early ancestor of quiche, blending soft cheese, eggs, and warming spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 shortcrust pastry
- 1 cup Brie cheese (or another soft cheese)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp saffron (for color and subtle flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a tart pan with the shortcrust pastry and set aside.
- Prepare the filling by mashing the Brie cheese in a bowl. If the rind is tough, remove it for a smoother texture.
- Whisk together the eggs, cream, sugar, ground ginger, and saffron. The sugar provides a subtle sweetness, typical of medieval dishes.
- Combine the cheese with the egg mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour the filling into the prepared tart shell.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tart is set and lightly golden. The saffron will give it a warm, inviting hue.
- Serve warm, either as a main course or a delightful appetizer.
A Taste of History:
In medieval England, sugar was a rare luxury, used sparingly to enhance flavors rather than dominate them. Spices like ginger and saffron were highly prized and often reserved for noble households. Tart de Bry captures this balance of rich, creamy cheese with delicate sweetness and spice, making it a true medieval delicacy.
Enjoy this historical cheese tart, a taste of England’s culinary past!