The traditional South African dish, melktert macarons, and a recipe

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene beautifully reflects this diversity. One delectable example of the fusion of flavors is the beloved traditional South African dish known as melktert, which has been transformed into a delightful treat: melktert macarons. This unique fusion of South African and French influences captivates the taste buds with its delicate texture and harmonious flavors. In this article, we delve into the history and flavors of melktert macarons and share a recipe for you to try at home.

Melktert, which translates to “milk tart” in Afrikaans, is a classic South African dessert with Dutch origins. It consists of a pastry crust filled with a creamy, spiced custard made from milk, eggs, sugar, and flour. The custard is often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating a comforting and aromatic dessert that is enjoyed on various occasions.

To create the melktert macarons, this beloved South African treat is combined with the elegance of French macarons, resulting in a delightful marriage of cultures and flavors. The macaron shells, made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, provide a delicate and crisp texture, while the creamy melktert filling infuses the macarons with a rich and indulgent taste.

Here’s a recipe for melktert macarons that you can try in your own kitchen:

Ingredients:

For the macaron shells:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the melktert filling:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Process until well combined and finely ground. Sift the mixture into a bowl to remove any lumps.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as it can deflate the batter.
5. Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
6. Tap the baking sheet gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the macaron shells sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to form a skin on top.
7. Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the shells are set and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. While the macaron shells are cooling, prepare the melktert filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cinnamon stick over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, and egg yolks until well combined.
10. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard consistency.
11. Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.
12. Once the macaron shells and the melktert filling have cooled, spoon a small amount of filling onto the flat side of a macaron shell. Gently sandwich it with another shell.
13. Dust the tops of the macarons with ground cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
14. Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
15. Serve the melktert macarons chilled and enjoy!

Melktert macarons are a delightful fusion of South African and French culinary traditions. Their delicate almond shells and creamy melktert filling create a harmony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a world where cultures collide and create something truly unique. So, gather the ingredients, embrace the spirit of culinary adventure, and treat yourself to this delectable fusion of cultures in the form of melktert macarons.