Canadian Butter Tarts on Valentine’s Day

A childhood memory—these thin pastries filled with a soft, sweet, sticky filling. All the GranMéres had their own traditional recipes—some with nuts, or raisins, or both. But just plain, sweet, maple filled tarts—what a perfect treat.

Which brings up the matter of St. Valentine’s Day. The kitchen warm with the scent of maple—and a really short wait to pull them out of the oven. A home-made gift to share with whoever turns up in your kitchen.

Canadian Butter Tarts
• 1 store-bought pie crust, rolled—at room temperature
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup maple syrup (the darker the color, the more robust the flavor)
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Whisk butter, brown sugar and salt—then whisk in maple syrup, egg and vanilla.
Unroll pie crust on lightly floured wax paper. Lightly flour paper and top of crust. Roll out in all directions to make a thinner pastry. Using a 4” thin-edge cup or bowl, cut circles from crust. Spray a cupcake tin with cooking spray and gently arrange cut circles in cups, pleating sides to fit. Reroll pastry scraps to get a few more circles.
Fill cups half full with butter mixture—bake in preheated 425’ oven for about 12 minutes. Crust will be browned and filling will be bubbling. Run sharp knife around each cup to be sure they’re loose. Cool at least 15 minutes before eating!!!

The Kitchen Hive