Maple Pecan Butter Tarts

How about a classic Canadian treat with a twist? Here's a recipe for Maple Pecan Butter Tarts:

Maple Pecan Butter Tarts

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry: In a food processor, pulse the flour and chilled butter together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, pulsing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

3. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups and press them into the bottom and up the sides of each cup.

4. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.

5. Fill the tart shells: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared tart shells, filling each about 3/4 full.

6. Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.

7. Cool and serve: Allow the tarts to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the delicious Canadian flavor of maple and pecans!

These Maple Pecan Butter Tarts are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian treat, perfect for any occasion or as a special indulgence. Enjoy the rich, sweet flavor of maple syrup combined with crunchy pecans in a buttery pastry shell. They're sure to be a hit with Canadians and non-Canadians alike!