The Brotherhood of the Geraardsbergen Mattentaart won an important victory in 2006 when they finally convinced the European Commission that their almond-flavoured pastries deserved EU protection as a regional speciality.
The flaky round tarts are now ranked alongside iconic European specialities like Parma ham and Champagne.
The tarts are made according to a secret recipe that goes back to Bruegel’s day. It involves milk, eggs, sugar and almonds. But the milk has to come from cows that have grazed in the lush meadows around Geraardsbergen. And there are one or two other secrets that no one is going to tell you.
You don’t find authentic Geraardsbergen Mattentarten anywhere except Geraardsbergen and the nearby village Lierde. The EU makes sure of that.
So hop on a train. The tourist office will provide you with a ‘Mattenkaart’. The map will guide you to 24 local bakers where they make these delicious specialities.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
