Who knew saffron was once grown in Cornwall?
It is common knowledge that saffron is found in copious recipes in North African and Asian cuisines. I was surprised to find out that England had grown it during medieval times, thanks to Phoenician sailors who dropped by a lot earlier.
Unfortunately, it was difficult to grow in such a damp climate and these days the world’s costliest spice is imported from Iran and Spain.
Love custard? Check out this old fashioned boiled custard that is enjoyed in the South every Christmas!
Cornish Saffron Custard Tarts
- Total Time: 1 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10 oz) ready-made all-butter puff pastry
- plain flour for dusting
- 300ml (½ pint) single cream
- a good pinch of saffron strands
- 4 free-range medium egg yolks
- 50g (2 oz) caster sugar
- 7.5ml (1½ tsp) corn flour
Instructions
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm (1/8 inch) thickness and prick it thoroughly all over with a fork. Loosely fold into three, wrap in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.
- Have ready a 12-hole muffin tray. Unfold the pastry and cut out circles, using a 9-10cm cutter. Use to line the muffin tins, pushing the pastry into the corners and trimming the tops with a sharp knife. Line with discs of greaseproof paper and baking beans and rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/350°F/gas 4). Bake the tart cases for 10-15 minutes until they begin to colour, then remove the paper and beans and leave to cool for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, put the cream and saffron into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Take off the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the egg yolks, sugar and corn flour. Pour the infused cream onto the egg mixture, stirring well with a whisk. Return the pan and cook over a low heat for several minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens; don’t let it boil. Pour into a jug.
- Pour the saffron custard into the tart cases and bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Leave to cool a little, then loosen the tarts with a small knife and carefully remove from the tin. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- The Polish’s answer to the classic custard slice.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 149
- Sugar: 10.5 g
- Sodium: 68 mg
- Fat: 6.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.5 g
- Protein: 2.2 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
Marisa
Such pretty little things! Love that first pic.
Gary
Saffron crocus is found in all odd corners of the UK, hence the delicate and interesting history of Essex market town Saffron Walden.
These tarts look absolutely gorgeous.
Paula Bauer
Wow! Now this looks absolutely delicious! I’ll have to give it a shot this weekend 🙂
foodies at home
So adorable! What great flavors and great photo to boot!!
Kavey
I love your choice of flower shaped cutters to make the pastry look sooo pretty!
Caitlin
SO cute!! Love the little flowers.
Carolyn Jung
These are soooo adorable! More beautiful than any glossy cookbook photo, too. I love saffron and cardamom and other warming spices in baked goods. It’s especially welcome at this chilly time of year to get your taste buds revved up. 😉
beth
i knew…but i’m Cornish. Saffron was actually was grown near Bude, where I live. These look fab
stefania
Buongiorno è una deliziosa idea, grazie
dropfood
Your recipe was posted.
iori
wow! lovely flowers 🙂
Gloria
What exquisite little cakes. Is it possible to still get Cornish saffron? I could eat several of those tarts one after another.
Michelle
Thanks, Gloria! I did a quick search online for cornish saffron but only found recipes. It was grown in Cornwall centuries ago.
Renil M. George
Safron tarts are great. Thank you.
★★★★★
michelle
Glad you like them. Safron is so healthy too