There's something quintessentially English about the Bakewell tart, a dessert ingrained in the fabric of British culinary tradition. In the new film "The King's Man," this delightful pastry is humorously featured as a favorite of one of history's infamous Russians, Grigori Rasputin. Thanks to 20th Century Studios for their paid support, we embarked on a culinary journey to recreate this classic dish on Tasting History.
The inspiration for this episode emerged from a touching circle of collaboration; my former co-workers reached out, fostering excitement at the thought of connecting food history with cinematic storytelling. Given the film's portrayal of Rasputin savoring a Bakewell tart, it seemed only fitting to dive into its history. This particular recipe exemplifies the transformation of the traditional Bakewell pudding to what is recognized today as the Bakewell tart, occurring around World War I.
The recipe we refer to comes from Isabella Beeton's "The Book of Household Management," and mirrors a period when the culinary community grappled with defining this delicacy. Here, Beeton retains the term “pudding” while presenting a dish bearing clear tart characteristics, drawing an analogy to transitional fossils in paleontology—though with an added sprinkle of sugar.
The recipe specifies a very rich Bakewell pudding, instructing to cover a dish with thin pastry, spread a generous layer of jam, and layer it all beneath a custard-like filling enriched with the flavor of almonds. Beeton even adds a monetary context: the average cost for making this dish once stood at one shilling sixpence, adding a unique touch to the historical culinary narrative.
Start by making the tart dough. Cream together cold butter with powdered sugar, add egg yolks, and mix until fluffy. Gradually incorporate flour, turning into a crumbly dough that should be chilled before use.
Once chilled, line a tart tin, blind bake it covered with weights, and set it aside to cool. For the filling, whisk together the yolks, sugar, melted butter, and almond flour till smooth. After spreading jam over the cooled crust, gently pour the filling to keep the layers distinct before baking again.
Historical Figures and Their Context
In "The King's Man," Rasputin isn’t the only historical figure portrayed. The backdrop to the film features various notable personalities, culminating in a fascinating examination of espionage as a storyline centerpiece.
Gavrilo Princip, the Bosnian Serb who initiated World War I by assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand, serves as a crucial character. His story is intertwined with a series of historical coincidences that collectively altered the course of history—a reminder of how simple moments can have profound repercussions.
Mata Hari: The Femme Fatale Spy
Mata Hari, another pivotal character, injected the narrative with themes of deception and femininity amidst the war. Once a celebrated dancer, her transition into espionage illustrated the blurring lines between performance and reality during tumultuous times. Despite her ultimate trials, the story reveals depths of human resilience and the judgement that often accompanies fame.
Lastly, the man who poignantly devours the Bakewell tart, Grigori Rasputin, becomes emblematic of the chaotic interplay between power and personality. His rise from humble beginnings to gaining favor with the Tsar and Tsarina illustrates an unsettling entanglement with fate, prophecy, and eventual downfall—symbolized through food-centric choices like the Bakewell tart.
The Bakewell tart emerges as a nostalgic unifier of these historical narratives. Once fully baked, it caresses the senses with its alluring aroma, and as we take the first delightful bite, the mingling of sweet jam and almond takes us on a historical journey. While the dessert differs from its modern counterpart—featuring a smoother filling rather than gritty frangipane—it successfully encapsulates the festive essence of the holiday season.
In the spirit of Rasputin, we allow ourselves a moment of indulgence. With fingers sticky from sweet jam and a grin spreading across the face, one can't help but feel a sense of connection to those who indulged in this dessert throughout history.
As we explore the Bakewell tart, we not only savor a delightful British treat but also engage deeply with the stories that have shaped it. Thanks to "The King's Man," we’re reminded of how food can tether us to our past, inviting us to partake in the sweet moments of history. As the film approaches theaters, we might indulge further, exploring how the past and present intertwine on our plates through tradition and taste. The journey of baking this delectable tart serves as a sweet reminder of our connection to history, culinary traditions, and the brothers-in-arms that connect us to our collective narrative.
Part 1/9:
The English Delight of Bakewell Tart
There's something quintessentially English about the Bakewell tart, a dessert ingrained in the fabric of British culinary tradition. In the new film "The King's Man," this delightful pastry is humorously featured as a favorite of one of history's infamous Russians, Grigori Rasputin. Thanks to 20th Century Studios for their paid support, we embarked on a culinary journey to recreate this classic dish on Tasting History.
Part 2/9:
The inspiration for this episode emerged from a touching circle of collaboration; my former co-workers reached out, fostering excitement at the thought of connecting food history with cinematic storytelling. Given the film's portrayal of Rasputin savoring a Bakewell tart, it seemed only fitting to dive into its history. This particular recipe exemplifies the transformation of the traditional Bakewell pudding to what is recognized today as the Bakewell tart, occurring around World War I.
The Historical Context of Bakewell Tart
Part 3/9:
The recipe we refer to comes from Isabella Beeton's "The Book of Household Management," and mirrors a period when the culinary community grappled with defining this delicacy. Here, Beeton retains the term “pudding” while presenting a dish bearing clear tart characteristics, drawing an analogy to transitional fossils in paleontology—though with an added sprinkle of sugar.
The recipe specifies a very rich Bakewell pudding, instructing to cover a dish with thin pastry, spread a generous layer of jam, and layer it all beneath a custard-like filling enriched with the flavor of almonds. Beeton even adds a monetary context: the average cost for making this dish once stood at one shilling sixpence, adding a unique touch to the historical culinary narrative.
Crafting the Bakewell Tart
Part 5/9:
Start by making the tart dough. Cream together cold butter with powdered sugar, add egg yolks, and mix until fluffy. Gradually incorporate flour, turning into a crumbly dough that should be chilled before use.
Once chilled, line a tart tin, blind bake it covered with weights, and set it aside to cool. For the filling, whisk together the yolks, sugar, melted butter, and almond flour till smooth. After spreading jam over the cooled crust, gently pour the filling to keep the layers distinct before baking again.
Historical Figures and Their Context
In "The King's Man," Rasputin isn’t the only historical figure portrayed. The backdrop to the film features various notable personalities, culminating in a fascinating examination of espionage as a storyline centerpiece.
Part 6/9:
Gavrilo Princip: The Ignition of War
Gavrilo Princip, the Bosnian Serb who initiated World War I by assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand, serves as a crucial character. His story is intertwined with a series of historical coincidences that collectively altered the course of history—a reminder of how simple moments can have profound repercussions.
Mata Hari: The Femme Fatale Spy
Mata Hari, another pivotal character, injected the narrative with themes of deception and femininity amidst the war. Once a celebrated dancer, her transition into espionage illustrated the blurring lines between performance and reality during tumultuous times. Despite her ultimate trials, the story reveals depths of human resilience and the judgement that often accompanies fame.
Part 7/9:
Grigori Rasputin: The Enigmatic Mystic
Lastly, the man who poignantly devours the Bakewell tart, Grigori Rasputin, becomes emblematic of the chaotic interplay between power and personality. His rise from humble beginnings to gaining favor with the Tsar and Tsarina illustrates an unsettling entanglement with fate, prophecy, and eventual downfall—symbolized through food-centric choices like the Bakewell tart.
A Taste of History
Part 8/9:
The Bakewell tart emerges as a nostalgic unifier of these historical narratives. Once fully baked, it caresses the senses with its alluring aroma, and as we take the first delightful bite, the mingling of sweet jam and almond takes us on a historical journey. While the dessert differs from its modern counterpart—featuring a smoother filling rather than gritty frangipane—it successfully encapsulates the festive essence of the holiday season.
In the spirit of Rasputin, we allow ourselves a moment of indulgence. With fingers sticky from sweet jam and a grin spreading across the face, one can't help but feel a sense of connection to those who indulged in this dessert throughout history.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Culinary Legends
Part 9/9:
As we explore the Bakewell tart, we not only savor a delightful British treat but also engage deeply with the stories that have shaped it. Thanks to "The King's Man," we’re reminded of how food can tether us to our past, inviting us to partake in the sweet moments of history. As the film approaches theaters, we might indulge further, exploring how the past and present intertwine on our plates through tradition and taste. The journey of baking this delectable tart serves as a sweet reminder of our connection to history, culinary traditions, and the brothers-in-arms that connect us to our collective narrative.