Chess Tarts
Delicate chess tarts feature a crisp pastry crust filled with a tangy lemon-flavored custard, perfect for elegant desserts or afternoon tea gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water over the mixture.
- Gently toss with a fork.
- Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl.
- Repeat using 1 tablespoon of water at a time until all dough is moistened.
- Form dough into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, flatten the ball of dough to slightly less than 1/8-inch thick.
- Cut into 4 (12-inch) circles.
- Place dough circles in fluted tart pans.
- Place tart pans on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a 350°F oven about 7 minutes or until pastry is set, but not puffed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the filling. Ensure you don't overwork the dough to keep it tender. This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger batch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chess Tarts as a delightful dessert at gatherings or family dinners. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. A dusting of powdered sugar on top can also enhance their presentation. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chess Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. Enjoy them cold or warm, depending on your preference.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chess Tarts contains roughly 992 calories, with 29g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1788mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, you can substitute skim milk with whole milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the filling, but the tarts will still be delicious.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly and not holding together, try adding more cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough. If it seems too dry, ensure that your shortening is well incorporated and that you have the right flour-to-fat ratio.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tart shells in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before filling and baking. The filling can also be made ahead and stored separately; just ensure you mix it well before pouring it into the baked shells.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).