The royal pastry that allegedly led to a baker's imprisonment
In short: Discover the legendary origin of the Maids of Honour Tart. This video explores whether these curd tarts were truly a Tudor invention or a medieval staple, as experts recreate a recipe from the 1780s.
While popular lore suggests Henry VIII ordered a baker imprisoned and the recipe locked in an iron box after tasting them, historians note that curd tarts have existed since the medieval period. The specific 'Maids of Honour' variety being tested dates to the 1780s, though it has been variously attributed to many figures, including Anne Boleyn’s personal maid.
The video features a recreation using lemon curd, brandy, and spices to see if these historical flavors still hold up to royal standards.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: We Baked Some Tudor Pastries | Historical Cookery at Kew
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