Dish

Geraardsbergse mattentaart

Geraardsbergen Mattentaart

Geraardsbergse mattentaart is a sweet and tangy dessert that has a creamy texture. It is made by mixing 'matten' cheese with sugar, eggs, and flour, and then pouring the mixture into a pastry crust and baking until golden brown. It is often served with whipped cream or fresh fruit. Geraardsbergse mattentaart has been a popular dessert in the Geraardsbergen region of Belgium for centuries and is often served at weddings and other special occasions.

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› Belgian cuisine

Pie› Sweet Pie

Origins and history

Geraardsbergse mattentaart has been a popular dessert in the Geraardsbergen region of Belgium for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century when farmers in the region started making cheese from the milk of their cows. The cheese, known as 'matten', was used to make a variety of dishes, including the Geraardsbergse mattentaart.

Dietary considerations

Geraardsbergse mattentaart is not suitable for vegans as it contains eggs and cheese. However, gluten-free options are available by using a gluten-free pastry crust. Vegetarian options are available by using a vegetarian cheese substitute.

Variations

Variations of Geraardsbergse mattentaart include adding raisins or nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor. Some people also like to add a layer of fruit preserves to the bottom of the pastry crust before adding the filling. Another variation is to add a layer of crumbled speculoos cookies to the top of the filling before baking.

Presentation and garnishing

To prevent the pastry crust from becoming soggy, brush the bottom with a thin layer of melted butter before adding the filling. Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing to ensure that it holds its shape. Geraardsbergse mattentaart can be presented on a decorative platter with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. Garnish with a sprig of mint for added color.

Tips & Tricks

If you don't have access to 'matten' cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese. Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese before using it in the recipe to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Side-dishes

Geraardsbergse mattentaart pairs well with a sweet dessert wine or a cup of coffee. It is also delicious with a glass of Belgian beer. Some people like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.