Every now and then I need to have a "fix". It could be anything but it's usually something that I have fond memories of from childhood, or something I've been reading about that triggers a memory. Or like this. On the weekend, being in the grocery store and seeing a package of fern tarts. I didn't buy them immediately...I looked and smiled. But the next day I went back hoping they still had some in stock..and they did.
Fern tarts were something my mother enjoyed as a child and as mothers do, she introduced them into her own home to her own children. I remember my mother telling me how her brother would tease her by telling her what was inside the tarts (usually to do with bug bits and other less savoury ideas!) so that my mother would refuse her tart and he would be able to have it. Sounds about right to me (isn't this the kind of thing all older siblings do to the younger ones?). I have no idea how long it took before my mother clued in to what he was up to! What is inside? A delightful mixture..depending on who has baked them...jam (strawberry or raspberry), coconut, walnuts, and cake are the usual ingredients. A nice flaky tart crust and then royal icing with a cocoa fern decorated on top. Heaven in a tart tin!
The best fern tarts come from the bakeries in small towns. I love to go into bakeries whenever I travel to see what they have on offer. If they have fern tarts and empire biscuits I am truly in heaven! Those bakeries are bestowed my 5 star Sherry's guide rating! For those who may not know, an empire biscuit is two cookies (sugar or shortbread) with raspberry jam in the middle. The top is iced with royal icing and there is a half demi glace cherry on top. The edges of the biscuit are scalloped, but can be rounded.
Out of the package of 6 tarts (these from a British bakery here in town) I managed to get 1. It seems I've done the same as my mother did and introduced these to my children who know a good thing when they find it! Think it's time to tell them what all the "bits" are inside those tarts!!!
12 comments:
The fern tart sounds like a dream!
They sounds sublime ! A perfect indulgence when you really need a fix !
Your are such a food connoisseur!
Ritz crackers happen to be one of my fondest childhood memories! Still very easy to find – and consume.
Oh, yes, and Playbox cookies – remember those?
I've never had a tart, but they look and sound simply yummy. :)
So cool! I have never heard of them...but as you know I'm just a small town girl.
They sound fabulous....send one to me one day...I don't think I could find any around here.
I can't tell the size but sort of looks like a small pie.
I've never had a fern tart ... I must see if I can find one.
consider it a success that you managed to get even one!
These sound so yummy!
I saw some circus peanuts (the orangey marshmallow kind) in the drug store when I was waiting for my prescription to be filled so I bought a pack and had a few after dinne, after breakfast this morning and I may just tippy toe in the kitchen and sneak a few more before dinner *sheepish look*
xoxo
I've never had a fern tart, but, my goodness, they look good! Your post made me chuckle...1) just sent my dh out to get me a "Chocolate Fix" and 2) my dad used to tell me that "Shoe Fly" pies were really made from flies. I wouldn't touch them for the longest time!
Geez,I've reached the ripe old age of 48 and never heard of either a fern tart or an empire biscuit! I have truly led a deprived life. Must run off and blame that on my mother as I have blamed everything else on her. But I will stop and look to see if I can find them. I love the fact that the fern tarts have a surprise inside. Grasshoppers and moth wing dust sound like the best ones!
A fern fix is what we all need....Happy weekend, xv.
I have never heard of a fern tart, but they look and sound divine! Are they a Canadian thing or do I just not get out enough?
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