At MCC, we have workers in more than 50 countries around the world, this fall we asked some of them to share their favorite recipes from the country where they work, and tell us what's so special about the dish. Alison Ralph from our Winnipeg office, chose butter tarts.
Here's why Alison chose the recipe:
"I've always liked butter tarts, but this recipe became special to me after living overseas. Food is a big part of culture, and it's a great way to make connections in a new place. In those situations I've been asked what Canadian food is, and honestly I didn't know for a long time. Through some good old fashion google research, I learned that Butter Tarts are Canadian, and developed in popularity when white European settlers came to Canada. It's a simple recipe and a delicious one. Finding out its connection to Canadian history and culture, only made my appreciation for them grow. "
Ingredients
Shells:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 cups butter
Filling:
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup raisins or walnuts or pecans (or half a cup of raisins and a half a cup of walnuts or pecans, each)
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon flour
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups flour with white sugar and 3/4 cups butter until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into greased muffin tin cups.
- Bake for 5 - 8 minutes or until the cups are golden brown.
- Beat eggs and brown sugar until well blended. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well and spoon into cups.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until set and golden in the centers.