Canadian Butter Tarts

 Happy New Year!!!  I made some food for a friend that had a party last night. I was in bed by 8:00.  I am such a fun person.  I made a bunch of Canadian butter tarts which though they aren't very pretty, they are one of the best things you will ever eat.  Here's the recipe:

For the Pastry

• 2 ¼ cups flour
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup shortening (Very cold and cut in cubes)
• ½ cup butter (Very cold and cut in cubes)
• 6 tbsp ice water (approximately, enough to bring the dough together)

For the Filling

• ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

To prepare the pastry

1. Pulse the cold butter and shortening into the flour sugar and salt using a food processor until the shortening or butter is reduced to pea sized pieces.
2. Sprinkle the water over the surface and toss with a fork until the water is just incorporated into the dough. Do not over work the dough; handle it only enough so that the dough stays together.
3. Form the dough into two rounds about an inch thick.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest in the fridge for about a half hour.
5. Roll out on lightly floured surface. Cut into rounds with 4 inch cutter. Fit into muffin cups. Chill in the fridge or freezer while you prepare the filling.

To make the filling

1. Combine all filling ingredients.
2. Mix well.
3. Fill  the shells ⅔ full with syrup mixture.
4. Bake on bottom shelf of oven at 425 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Cool completely on a wire rack and remove tarts from from pans.

I also made some mini pumpkin pies.

And another Xmas tree cheese ball.  Here's to 2017!  Bring it on!!!