Richmond Maids of Honour

this small tartlet originated in Henry VIII's palace of Hampton Court, where it was popular with the Queen's Maids of Honour. Later the secret recipe was made at a shop established at Richmond, Surrey.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 20 tarts

Ingredients

• 8  ounces puff pastry
• 8  ounces  ground almonds
• 4  ounces caster sugar
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 1  ounce flour
• 4  tablespoons  double cream
• 1  pinch ground nutmeg
• 2  teaspoons lemon juice
•  sifted icing sugar

Directions

1. Set oven to 400*F or Mark 6.
2. Grease and flour 20 patty tins.
3. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line the tins, trimming the edges neatly.
4. In a bowl, mix together the ground almonds and sugar, then stir in the beaten eggs, flour, cream, nutmeg and lemon juice.
5. Divide the mixture between the pastry cases and bake for about 15 minutes or until firm and golden.
6. Turn out on to a wire rack and allow to cool.
7. Serve dredged with a little icing sugar.