Tender Tarts

Tender Tarts are coin shaped custard pastries that were popularized by the Church of Resounding Truth as an after-sermon delicacy.

Symbolism

Tender Tarts are not, as one might initially assume, named after their sweet, pleasing taste. Rather, the word "tender" in this context refers to money, and the tarts are indeed baked and decorated to resemble such. The reason for this is two-fold.

Firstly, the tarts are a gift freely given to those who attend the sermons held in the many chapels and cathedrals of the Resounding Truth, a symbolic sharing of wealth between the faithful.

Secondly, the proper way to eat a Tender Tart involves kissing the decorated custard cover and dedicating the "coin" to the Progenitor, as figurative payment for its creation that has enabled the lives of all those on Nascindor, as well as for continued protection against the nightmarish Adversary.

The Merchant's Pact

Owing to the nature and physical appearance of the tarts, a mercantile custom has developed that makes use of the tarts.

When two parties initiate business deals, it is often customary that they break a Tender Tart and each consumes a half. This is believed to bring good fortune to any business endeavor as well as ward off any attempts at deceit as very few would dare to sully the memory of the Progenitor by cheating in dealings blessed in such a way. The S'aue, even though they do not posses digestive capabilities or faith in the Progenitor, still partake in this ritual for the sake of their human business partners for whom it is important.

This is not to say that fraudulent business does not exist on Nascindor because it most certainly does, with Druvenia being a veritable haven for such tomfoolery, but rather it could be said that if you are about to close a deal and you are offered a Tender Tart to share, you're probably in the right kind of company.

Recipe

Ingredients
For the Pastry Crust:

2 cups fine-ground golden spelt flour (or a similar grain)

¾ cup butter

⅓ cup honey dust (finely powdered honey)

A pinch of ground sea-salt

1 egg (Chicken egg preferred)


For the Custard Filling:

1 ¼ cups Emperor Ram milk

¼ cup cane sugar

3 egg yolks (Chicken eggs preferred)

½ tsp of ground cinnamon

1 vanilla pod

1 tsp of orange zest

The barest pinch of sal ammoniac


For Decoration (Optional for non-ritual consumption):

Edible gold leaf

A dusting of powdered sugar

Thin layer of dark honey glaze to engrave coin-like symbols onto

Suggestions

• Tender Tarts are perfect sweet offerings for parties, gatherings and even wakes.

• Feel free to replace any (or all) of the spices in the recipe. Experiment and see what works.

• For a more affordable recipe, some of the more exotic ingredients such as sal ammoniac can be replaced with cheaper alternatives.

• While the Tender Tarts have their roots in religion, they are not the sole property of the church and can be baked for any occasion.

• Make sure to bake more tarts than you have guests, as most will not be content with just one!

Instructions

Making the Pastry:

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the honey dust and the butter until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined.

• Sift in the flour and mix to create a dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead until smooth.

• Wrap the dough tightly and store in a cool place for at least an hour.

• Once the dough has chilled, grease at least twelve pastry cups (if you have them). Roll the dough on a floured surface until it achieves your desired thickness. Proceed to cut into desired shape (official Tender Tarts are circular and have a circumference of 3.5in).

• Store the pastry cups in a cool place while you prepare the custard.

Preparing the Custard:

• In a small cauldron (or saucepan), heat ram milk over low heat until warm but not boiling.

• In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cane sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla.

• Slowly pour the warm milk into the spiced egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

• Return the mixture to the heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth custard.

• Stir in the zest and sal ammoniac, then remove from heat.

Assembling & Baking:

• Take out the pastry cups and prick the bottoms with a fork.

• Pre-bake over a gentle fire about 10 minutes until lightly golden.

• Fill each tart shell with the custard mixture and bake for another 15 minutes, or until set.

• Let the tarts cool completely.

Final Touch – The Coin Design (Optional):

• Brush the tops lightly with dark honey glaze and, using a fine tool, carve coin-like engravings (official Tender Tarts feature designs resembling the emblems and insignias of the church) while the glaze is tacky.

• Dust with powdered sugar or apply gold leaf over the surface of the "coin".

You have given much, now receive this meager offering in return. It is all we have to give.

– The words spoken before consuming a Tender Tart

by Midjourney

_{A girl receiving a Tender Tart at the end of a sermon in one of the chapels of the Church of Resounding Truth}

by Midjourney

_{A baker inspecting a batch of freshly baked Tender Tarts}