Irish Apple Tart: Another Great Irish Halloween Tradition
Halloween in Ireland has long been associated with various traditions that have withstood the test of time, with many involving food and festivities. While Barmbrack – a fruit-filled bread – is widely known as a staple of the season, another delicious treat often graces Irish tables during this spooky time: the Irish Apple Tart.
An authentic Irish Apple Tart embodies the simplicity and rustic charm of Irish cooking. Unlike the puff pastry or heavily spiced versions of apple pies found in other countries, the Irish version uses a basic shortcrust pastry and lightly spiced apples, keeping the focus on the pure flavours of the fruit.
A Taste of Tradition
The Irish Apple Tart is typically baked in a shallow tin, with a top and bottom layer of thin, buttery pastry encasing slices of tart, cooking apples – usually Bramleys. The apples are sweetened and sometimes flavoured with a touch of cinnamon or cloves, though many traditional recipes keep the seasoning minimal, allowing the natural tartness of the apples to shine.
During Halloween, this tart is more than just a dessert. It carries the warmth of home-baked comfort, perfect for family gatherings. Much like other traditional Irish treats, the apple tart was once part of fortune-telling games, similar to the way coins and rings are hidden in Barmbrack to predict the future.
Recipe
300g plain flour, extra for dusting
2 tablesp. icing sugar
100g chilled butter, diced
2 large egg yolks
900g Bramley apples (roughly 4 large apples)
100g caster sugar, extra for dusting
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
1 tablesp. lemon juice
1 tablesp. milk
Whipped cream, to serve
For more and the method: - https://www.bordbia.ie/recipes/fruit-recipes/warm-bramley-apple-tart/
This Halloween, consider baking an Irish Apple Tart to celebrate not only the holiday but also Ireland’s culinary traditions that span generations. It’s a delicious way to honour the past and make new memories with family and friends.
It is clear that our group members love their Irish Food.
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