Devonshire Cheese Tart

Ingredients

The original Maltese Torta tal-irkotta is a sweet pastry filled with ricotta cheese and flavored with lemon zest and vanilla. In contrast, the Devonshire Cheese Tart is a savory dish that highlights the local cheeses of Devon. The crust is buttery and flaky, providing a perfect base for the creamy cheese filling. The seasonings used in the Devonshire Cheese Tart are adapted to the flavors commonly found in Devon cuisine, enhancing the taste and aroma of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Torta tal-irkotta, so you can check it out.

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water 4-5 tablespoons ice water
• 1 cup (240g) Devonshire cream cheese 1 cup (240g) Devonshire cream cheese
• 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) milk ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the Devonshire cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared tart shell.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Devonshire cream cheese — Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top of the tart before baking.
• Serve the Devonshire Cheese Tart warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the tart according to your preferences.
• If you don't have a tart pan, you can use a pie dish as a substitute.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat the tart in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Devonshire Cheese Tart as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. It can also be served as an appetizer or a side dish for a brunch or lunch gathering.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the tart with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, before serving. The golden crust and creamy cheese filling will be visually appealing and inviting.