I. What is Neenish Tart?
Neenish Tart is a popular Australian pastry that consists of a shortcrust pastry base filled with a sweet, creamy custard and topped with two-tone icing, usually chocolate and vanilla. The distinctive appearance of Neenish Tart, with its contrasting dark and light icing, makes it a visually appealing treat that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
II. History of Neenish Tart
The exact origins of Neenish Tart are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in Australia in the early 20th century. The name “Neenish” is thought to be a corruption of the name “Nienich,” which was a family name of German descent. The tart became popular in Australia during the 1920s and 1930s and has since become a beloved classic in Australian bakeries and cafes.
III. Ingredients in Neenish Tart
The key ingredients in Neenish Tart include:
– Shortcrust pastry: A buttery pastry dough that forms the base of the tart.
– Custard filling: A rich and creamy custard made with eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla.
– Icing: A two-tone icing made with cocoa powder or chocolate for the dark layer and vanilla or lemon for the light layer.
– Optional garnish: Some variations of Neenish Tart may include a sprinkle of desiccated coconut or a cherry on top.
IV. How to Make Neenish Tart
To make Neenish Tart, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a tart tin with the pastry.
3. Blind bake the pastry shell for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar until just simmering.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
7. Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
8. Pour the custard into the baked pastry shell and refrigerate until set.
9. Prepare the icing by mixing cocoa powder or melted chocolate with icing sugar for the dark layer and vanilla or lemon extract with icing sugar for the light layer.
10. Spread the dark icing over half of the tart and the light icing over the other half.
11. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving the Neenish Tart.
V. Variations of Neenish Tart
While the classic Neenish Tart features a chocolate and vanilla icing, there are many variations of this pastry that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some popular variations include:
– Lemon Neenish Tart: A tangy twist on the classic with lemon-flavored custard and icing.
– Nutty Neenish Tart: Adding chopped nuts to the custard or sprinkling them on top for added crunch.
– Berry Neenish Tart: Incorporating fresh berries into the custard or using a berry-flavored icing.
VI. Serving and Enjoying Neenish Tart
Neenish Tart is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The creamy custard filling and sweet icing pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Neenish Tart can be served as a dessert or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. To enhance the flavors, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with accompaniments, Neenish Tart is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and delight your taste buds.