Beverage : Butter Tart - how to make this Canadian dessert

 

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert known for their gooey, sweet filling encased in a buttery pastry shell. Here's a detailed overview of how they are typically made:

**Ingredients:**

For the pastry:

- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

- 1/4 cup ice water

- Pinch of salt

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 1 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/4 cup corn syrup

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pastry:**

   - In a food processor, combine the flour and salt.

   - Add the chilled, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   - Gradually add the ice water and pulse until the dough comes together.

   - Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. **Roll and Cut Pastry:**

   - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   - On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry and cut it into rounds that fit your tart molds.

3. **Line Tart Molds:**

   - Press the pastry rounds into greased tart molds, ensuring even coverage and creating small tart shells.

4. **Prepare the Filling:**

   - In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

   - Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until dissolved.

   - Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

   - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

   - If desired, add raisins or pecans to the filling.

5. **Fill the Tart Shells:**

   - Spoon the filling into the prepared tart shells, filling them about two-thirds full.

6. **Bake:**

   - Place the tart molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden, and the filling is set but still slightly gooey.

7. **Cool and Enjoy:**

   - Allow the butter tarts to cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you have delicious butter tarts ready to be enjoyed!