In my younger years, I fondly recall the warmth of my Grandmother’s kitchen, enveloped in the divine scent of her famed Earl Grey tea-infused pastries. These sugary delights had the magical ability to transform even the chilliest winter day into a snug gathering, a spell of which continues to resonate with me. The process of baking these pastries provides a symphony of sensory experiences. Visualize the rustling of the tea bag as it is immersed in liquid butter, setting free the earthy, citrus fragrance of the tea. The consistency of the batter, smooth and creamy, sets an expectation of comfort as you ladle it into the pastry tray. Meanwhile, the rhythmic hum of the oven softly bakes each pastry to a golden finish. The concluding touch: a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar, reminiscent of the season’s first snowfall. These pastries are a tribute to cherished, unhurried moments, a custom originated in my Grandmother’s kitchen, and the warmth of kinship. As the air becomes crisper, and the leaves start to tumble, I find nothing more suitable than dedicating an afternoon to this soothing ritual. Naturally, the allure of these pastries is not without its whimsical moments. Be ready for the sporadic burst of mirth as you find yourself covered more in batter than your pastry tray, or the sentimental sigh that slips your lips as you sample the first pastry, transporting you back to Grandma’s fireside in a heartbeat. The Earl Grey tea is the star of this show, drawing on the UK’s longstanding tea tradition. The distinct mixture of bergamot-steeped tea leaves gives a touch of the exotic, yet the familiarity of a traditional English tea break, imparting these pastries a nostalgic, almost antiquated charm. As you set off on this baking adventure, envision the delight of offering these soft, warm, tea-steeped pastries to your dear ones. The grins as they discover the unexpected bond between Earl Grey and pastries, the communal laughter, the radiant feeling of unity – the perfect formula for a memory.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Dash of salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Confectioner’s sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F, and arrange paper liners in a pastry tray. This is your blank slate ready to be enriched with flavors.
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a low flame. Submerge the tea bags into the melted butter, letting them steep, freeing their celestial scent, and infusing the butter with their character.
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While your butter is revealing the essence of Earl Grey, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a broad bowl. These dry constituents will lay the foundation for your pastries.
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In a different bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until they attain a luscious, airy texture. Add the tea-steeped butter, making sure all the flavors blend harmoniously.
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Gradually integrate the dry components into the wet, folding carefully to maintain the batter’s delicate texture. The unison of these humble elements will form your pastry masterpiece.
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Blend in the milk and vanilla extract, imparting a layer of richness and complexity to the batter.
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Ladle the batter into your ready pastry tray, filling each well about two-thirds full.
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Position your tray in the preheated oven, and let it work its charm for around 20-25 minutes. As your pastries rise and adopt a stunning golden hue, you’ll know they’re done.
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Let the pastries cool a bit in the tray before moving them onto a wire rack.
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Sprinkle your Earl Grey masterpieces with a bit of confectioner’s sugar, the final embellishment on your comforting concoction.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Protein: 4.1 g
- Fat: 11.7 g
- Carbs: 31.2 g
Final Result
