Sweet Canadian treat

 Blogging friends Dana over at Old Red Barn Co and Jodi over at Pleasant Home have been posting some delicious recipes lately.  

I thought I would join them.  For those that don’t know, Butter Tarts are a very unique Canadian dessert; flaky pastry  filled with a golden sugary filling of raisins and/or nuts. Sometimes these can be tricky to make, and time consuming. 

Years ago I found a recipe in Chatelaine magazine for Butter Tart muffins. (it actually won the 1997 muffin of the year!).

These are so delicious and so easy to make and the taste is wonderful .

Here is the recipe:

Butter Tart Muffins

1 1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine cut into chunks

2 eggs beaten

1/2 c. milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp soda

1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375*F. Place raisins, sugar, butter, eggs, milk and vanilla in a pan over medium heat.  Cook stirring frequently, until mix is hot and slightly thickened, about 4-5 min.  Cool slightly, uncovered in the fridge (or outside these days). Line muffin cups with papers. 

Stir dry ingredients together & make a well. Add cooled raisin mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts if using. Fill muffin cups.

Bake for 15-17 min. Let cool in muffin pan on rack. Drizzle with some maple syrup.

Makes 12 muffins.

Let me know if you make these and like them!

mmmm mmmmm Good

Last night after returning from taking D#2 to soccer practice I came home to a house smelling like chocolate. D#1 with no school (exam break) and no dance, decided to bake: 

• Chocolate lovers cookies
• Chocolate banana brownies
• Chocolate surprise cupcakes

Now which would you choose, the fruit in the basket or the chocolate goodness?

Feeling HOT HOT HOT.....making salsa!

That time of the year again when my friend Ria and I make homemade salsa. We went to the market on Sunday to buy our 40 lb box of tomatoes and all the peppers too! Last night we cleaned and peeled the tomatoes (after blanching to make it easier). They have to sit over night with salt on them to draw the water out! This morning we cut our peppers and onions, trying to decide and remember how many hot and which kind of peppers we used before. We usually make one mild and one hot batch. The smell in my kitchen is wonderful and the fruits of our labours, about 7 litres of salsa, is very tasty if I do say so myself!! Now I can sit back and listen to the lids pop as they finish sealing. Wishing you all a bountiful harvest this fall!

Also if you have a chance go to Needle Little Inspiration for a wonderful open house and many giveaways.