Celebrate South African heritage with Roodeberg on Milk Tart Day

Every year on 27 February, we celebrate National Milk Tart Day by raising a glass to our national treasure that has been baked into South African heritage in cross-cultural kitchens since the 1600s.

Every family, every baker and every community has its own unique melktert narrative, something this traditional custard tart shares with Roodeberg.

This cherished South African wine has stood the test of time for over 70 years with a story in every bottle.

The traditional milk tart with its familiar sweet crust and creamy custard filling is an enduring favourite that originated in the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century. Early Dutch recipes included almond milk, which is possibly why almond essence is still used in many recipes today. The addition of cinnamon can be attributed to early Cape Malay cooks. Over the centuries, milk tart recipes have been adopted and adapted by women of diverse cultures and is ever-present at school cake sales, church bazaars and important events and celebrations, with closely guarded family recipes handed down over generations.

Today there are endless variations from classic oven-baked tarts, to simpler crustless or pre-baked versions with the filling prepared on the stovetop.

Regardless of your preference, a milk tart will always impress especially when enjoyed with an enchanting glass or two of Roodeberg Classic Rosé. The bursts of strawberry, candyfloss and raspberry embraced by rose petals and Turkish delight, will spruce up the humble milk tart into a memorable experience.

"The floral notes of the Rosé playfully pick up the aromatics of almond, vanilla and citrus in the milk tart filling. It's an unusual and fun combination," says Ilse van der Merwe, well-known food writer at www.thefoodfox.com.

For Milk Tart Day, Ilse has opted for a simple recipe that delivers big on flavour and texture. Her silky stovetop milk tart with a buttery baked crust is infused with vanilla, almond essence, cinnamon and lemon rind. To keep the tradition alive, Ilse suggests using an old school enamel plate for baking, and decorating the top with cinnamon using ornate stencils.

As intriguing as the story of the Milk Tart, Roodeberg also conjures up a lifetime of memories. For many Roodeberg evokes fond recollections of people, places and occasions, and of sharing special moments with family and friends.

Roodeberg Classic Rosé 2021 is available at leading stores countrywide or the Roodeberg Emporium at around R85 a bottle. For online sales visit www.kwvemporium.co.za/.

Ilse van der Merwe’s Milk Tart Recipe

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: SUPPLIED