Bartemian Tarts are a delightful and nostalgic treat that capture the essence of traditional pastry-making. These tarts offer a harmonious blend of flavors, featuring candied citron peel, raisins, and the bright zing of lemon. With their golden, flaky crust and sweet, aromatic filling, Bartemian Tarts evoke memories of homemade goodness and classic baking techniques.

The history of Bartemian Tarts is shrouded in the charm of yesteryears, harking back to a time when families gathered around the kitchen table to savor the simple pleasures of life. The recipe’s roots may stretch back generations, passed down through families and communities as a treasured culinary tradition.

While the exact origin of the name “Bartemian Tarts” is not widely documented, it’s likely that these tarts were enjoyed by individuals with a fondness for homemade pastries and a love for nostalgic flavors. The combination of candied citron peel, raisins, and lemon zest reflects the use of readily available ingredients and the desire to create a delightful dessert with a touch of sophistication.

Bartemian Tarts have a timeless quality, embodying the essence of comfort food and the joy of sharing a treat that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. The recipe’s enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting appeal of classic flavors and the sense of connection to generations past.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cupful sugar
• 1 lemon (rind and strained juice)
• 1/4 lb. chopped candied citron peel
• Crisco flake pastry (prepared beforehand)
• 1 egg
• 1 cupful raisins
• 1 tablespoonful melted Crisco (for brushing)
• 1/4 teaspoonful salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by rolling out the Crisco flake pastry until it’s thin and pliable. This will form the base of your Bartemian Tarts.
2. Beat the egg in a bowl, then add the sugar, melted Crisco, the rind and strained juice of the lemon, salt, candied citron peel, and raisins. This mixture will create a sweet and aromatic filling for the tarts.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
4. Cut out large circles of the rolled-out pastry to create the tart bases.
5. Spoon a tablespoonful of the prepared filling onto each pastry circle, ensuring an even distribution of the mixture.
6. Carefully wet the edges of the pastry circles to allow for sealing.
7. Fold each pastry circle over the filling to create a turnover shape, resembling an old-fashioned turnover.
8. Be mindful not to press the edges down with a fork, as this could cause the filling to escape during baking.
9. Place the assembled Bartemian Tarts on Criscoed baking tins.
10. Bake the tarts in a hot oven at a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for approximately twelve to fifteen minutes. The tarts should be golden-brown and the filling should be bubbling and fragrant.
11. Once baked to perfection, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

CONCLUSION:

• Bartemian Tarts evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, embodying the timeless appeal of classic homemade treats. With their flaky pastry crust and sweet, aromatic filling, these tarts offer a taste of tradition and a connection to the past. Whether enjoyed as a simple dessert or as a way to carry on a treasured family recipe, Bartemian Tarts continue to capture the hearts and taste buds of those who appreciate the beauty of time-honored flavors and baking techniques.