Mrs. Roger Amidon's Cranberry Cream Cheese Tarts

Mrs. Amidon's Cranberry Cream Cheese Tarts: A Festive Delight with a Dash of History and Charm 🎄✨
Oh, my dear food enthusiasts, let us embark on another culinary journey that is as delightful as it is unexpected!
Today, we shall explore the enchanting world of Mrs. Roger Amidon's Cranberry Cream Cheese Tarts, a recipe that not only won second place in The Tribune Home Institute Christmas Recipe Contest but also captured the hearts of many with its festive flair and luscious flavors. 🥮'
First, let us begin with the recipe itself, as it was so graciously shared by Mrs. Amidon of 4211 S. Twenty-seventh West Avenue. 🏡✨
Mrs. Amidon's Cranberry Cream Cheese Tarts
*Ingredients:*
- 8 baked tart shells
- 2 cups strained cranberry sauce
- 1 cup whipping cream
-  cup confectioner's sugar
- One 3-ounce package cream cheese
- 12 marshmallows, diced
-  cup walnut meats, chopped
- Candied green cherries (for garnish)
*Method:*
1. Place thick cranberry sauce in a coarse sieve and let drain slightly until two cups of thick sauce remain. (If using canned prepared cranberry sauce, it will not need to drain.)
2. Whip the cream until stiff, then add the confectioner's sugar and cream cheese, mashed smooth with a fork.
3. Fold the diced marshmallows into the cream mixture.
4. Gently mix the walnut meats and cranberry sauce into the cream mixture.
5. Pile the mixture into cooled pastry shells.
6. Garnish with a candied green cherry before serving to give that festive Christmas effect. 🎄'
Now, isn't that just a delightful little recipe? It's simple yet elegant, and it offers a wonderful twist on the traditional cranberry dishes we often see during the holiday season. But let us not stop here. Let us dive deeper into the history, cultural significance, and the magic of each ingredient that makes this recipe so special. 🕰️"-
A Brief History of Cranberries in Christmas Cuisine '...
Cranberries have long been a staple of American holiday tables, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Native to North America, cranberries were used by Indigenous peoples for their nutritional and medicinal properties long before European settlers arrived. By the 19th century, cranberry sauce had become a beloved accompaniment to roast turkey and other festive dishes. Mrs. Amidon's recipe, however, takes this humble berry to new heights by transforming it into a creamy, dreamy dessert. It's a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who continually reinvent tradition. 🍽️✨
The Cultural Significance of Tarts and Festive Desserts 🥮🎄
Tarts have a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From the medieval courts of Europe to the cozy kitchens of mid-20th-century America, tarts have always been a symbol of celebration and indulgence. Mrs. Amidon's recipe, with its combination of cranberries, cream cheese, and marshmallows, reflects the mid-century American love for sweet, creamy desserts that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The addition of candied cherries for garnish is a nod to the festive aesthetics of the time, when holiday tables were adorned with bright, cheerful colors. 🎨'
A Closer Look at the Ingredients** "🍴
1. **Cranberry Sauce**: The star of the show! Cranberries are tart, vibrant, and packed with antioxidants. Straining the sauce ensures a smooth, luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
2. **Whipping Cream**: Light, airy, and indulgent, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the tarts. Be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form for the perfect consistency.
3. **Confectioner's Sugar**: This fine, powdery sugar dissolves effortlessly into the cream, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the tartness of the cranberries.
4. **Cream Cheese**: Ah, cream cheese! Its rich, tangy flavor provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and the tartness of the cranberries. Mash it smoothly with a fork to ensure it blends seamlessly into the filling.
5. **Marshmallows**: A playful addition that adds a touch of nostalgia and a delightful chewiness to the tarts. Dice them finely for even distribution.
6. **Walnut Meats**: These add a lovely crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. Chop them coarsely for texture.
7. **Candied Green Cherries**: The pice de rsistance! These bright, festive garnishes not only add a pop of color but also a burst of sweetness that ties the whole dish together.
The Mystery of Mrs. Roger Amidon 🕵️‍♀️'
While I could not uncover much about Mrs. Roger Amidon herself, her recipe speaks volumes about her creativity and culinary prowess. Living in the mid-20th century, she was likely influenced by the post-war era's love for convenience foods (like canned cranberry sauce) and the desire to create dishes that were both practical and celebratory.
Her use of marshmallows and cream cheese reflects the trends of the time, when home cooks were experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create dishes that were both comforting and sophisticated. 🕰️🍽️
The Impact of Location 🗺️🏡
Mrs. Amidon's address places her in the heart of America, a region known for its hearty, homey cuisine and love for festive traditions. The Midwest, in particular, has a rich culinary heritage that blends practicality with creativity, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. The use of cranberries, a native North American fruit, also highlights the region's connection to local ingredients and seasonal cooking. 🌾'
Final Thoughts '✨
Mrs. Amidon's Cranberry Cream Cheese Tarts are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the joy of holiday cooking.
Whether you're serving them at a Christmas dinner or enjoying them with a cup of tea on a snowy afternoon, these tarts are sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of festive magic to your table. 🎄'
I urge you to give this recipe a try. Channel your inner Mrs. Amidon, and let the spirit of the season guide your hands as you create these delightful tarts.
Bon apptit  🥮...✨
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