Jam and Coconut Tarts to some, but here in SA we call them Hertzoggies!

by Nina Timm

Jam and Coconut tarts have a direct link to South African history as it is recorded that it was the favorite tea time treat of General Hertzog, who was South Africa’s Prime Minister between 1924 and 1939. That is why we refer to these delectable little tarts as Hertzoggies.

Not only do they feature in the history of South Africa, but also in my history they have a very prominent place….

We were big on family holidays! Sometimes we would have it in June and take the long trip up country that normally stretched over two days and sometimes we would go caravanning at a seaside holiday resort in December. Regardless of where we spent our holiday, one thing was a certainty…….there would be a couple of tins filled with Hertzoggies. 

Jam and Coconut Tarts – Hertzoggies
Recipe (Makes 15)
Ingredients: 

PASTRY:

• 300 g(2 cups) self-raising flour 
• 50 g caster sugar 
• 125 g butter – cold and cubed
• 3 extra large egg yolks 
• Ice water 

FILLING:

• smooth apricot jam 
• a little flour
• 5 extra large egg whites 
• 160 g caster sugar 
• 160 g(2 cups) desiccated coconut 

How to:

1. Place flour and sugar into a food processor and pulse until mixed. Add the butter cubes and pulse a few times to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Beat the egg yolks and add it to flour mixture. Pulse a few more times until the dough starts to form a ball. Add a little ice water if too stiff. Remove from the processor and throw out on a floured surface. Bring together with your hands and cover with cling film. Refrigerate for at least an hour. When ready to make the hertzoggies, pre-heat the oven at 180°C. 
2. Prepare a muffin or patty pan tray with non stick cooking spray.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough and cut circles with a cookie cutter to fit into the pan cavities. 
4. Press the dough into prepared pans.
5. Put 1 teaspoon of smooth apricot jam in the flour and coat the “ball” of jam(this prevents the jam from boiling out the tarts) Now place the jam on the dough in the pans. 
6. Beat egg whites until stiff. Add the caster sugar while beating. Fold in the coconut. Place a spoonful of meringue mixture on top of dough and apricot jam. 
7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool and store in an airtight container.That is if there are any left to store!

So if you are planning a teaparty with friends, a holiday with the family or if you have children at college or university with a constant case of the “Nibbles”, start baking and keep the traditions going!