Had Milk Tart for Lunch Darn its a South African Treasure

When living abroad for a few years one experiences more than just a tug on the heart strings longing for friends and family. Often one of the greatest symptoms of homesickness is a yank on the tummy strings. Travelers may find themselves craving the foods of home, whether it be a specific type of chocolate; or a certain bag of crisps; one is almost always assured of a wish for the taste of their home country.

The Recipe

INGREDIENTS

The Base:

• 60 g butter, softened


• 100 g white sugar


• 1 egg


• 125 g plain flour


• 5 g baking powder


• pinch of salt

The Filling:

• 950 ml milk


• 10ml vanilla extract


• 15 g butter


• 20 g plain flour


• 20 g cornstarch


• 100 g white sugar


• 2 eggs, beaten


• ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.


2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and beat until mixture is smooth.


3. In a separate bowl, sieve together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture just until ingredients are thoroughly combined.


4. Press mixture into a dish, cover with baking paper and dried beans.


5. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.


6. In a large saucepan, combine milk, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon butter . Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from burner.


7. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and sugar. Add beaten eggs to sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.


8. Stir mixture into milk. Return pan to heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 5 minutes. Pour mixture into pastry shell. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate until set (approximately 1 hour).


9. You may have a little mixture left over, pour into a cup, sprinkle with cinnamon and secretly indulge when nobody is around