Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts

🥧 Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts 🥧

History:
Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts are a delicious and classic dessert that originated in North America, particularly in Canada. They are a sweet and gooey treat, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The history of butter tarts is somewhat debated, but it’s believed they have been enjoyed for over a century, with recipes passed down through generations.

Components:
The key components of Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts are:

1. Pastry Shell: The base of the tart is a flaky pastry shell. You can use store-bought tart shells or make your own from scratch using ingredients like flour, butter, salt, and water.
2. Filling: The filling is a rich and gooey mixture typically made from butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Pecans: Pecan halves or pieces are placed on top of the filling, adding a nutty and slightly crunchy element to the tart.

Steps to Prepare:

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts:

1. Prepare the Pastry Shell:

   • If making your own pastry, mix flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
   • Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add cold water a little at a time and form the dough into a ball.
   • Roll out the dough and use it to line tart pans. Chill in the refrigerator.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in brown sugar and corn syrup.
   • Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.

3. Assemble the Tarts:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pastry shells.
   • Place pecan halves or pieces on top of the filling.

4. Baking:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

5. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the tarts to cool in the tart pans for a few minutes.
   • Then, remove them from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack.

Time Needed:
The time needed to prepare Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts will vary, but on average, it takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour from start to finish.

Enjoy these sweet and nutty butter tarts, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends for a taste of classic North American dessert goodness! 🥧🌰😋

Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Standard Tart):

• Calories: Around 450-500 calories per tart.
• Total Fat: Approximately 25-30 grams.
• Saturated Fat: About 10-12 grams.
• Cholesterol: Around 50-60 mg.
• Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg.
• Total Carbohydrates: About 55-60 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: Roughly 1-2 grams.
• Sugars: About 40-45 grams.
• Protein: Around 4-5 grams.

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts are a high-calorie dessert due to their buttery pastry and sugar-rich filling. Consuming them in moderation is advisable, especially if you are watching your calorie intake.

2. High in Saturated Fat: The tarts are rich in saturated fat, primarily from the butter in the pastry and filling. High saturated fat intake can be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, so it’s best to enjoy these as an occasional treat.

3. Sugar Content: These tarts are high in sugar due to the brown sugar and corn syrup in the filling. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health issues, including weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Nutritional Benefits: Pecans, the key nut component in these tarts, are a good source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They also provide fiber, protein, and essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium.

5. Portion Control: To enjoy these tarts without overindulging, consider cutting them into smaller portions. Smaller servings will help you manage your calorie and sugar intake.

6. Moderation: Aunt Marianne’s Pecan Butter Tarts are a delightful treat for special occasions, but they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Remember that the nutritional values may vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check the labels on the ingredients you use and consider any modifications you make to the recipe.