• Pie Crust (I used the premade crusts in the refrigerated biscuit area)
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup dark corn syrup
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are best)

Food isn’t only a necessity in life; it is also a source of comfort, tradition and just plain enjoyment.  I love to cook for people.  It is my way of expressing love.  My husband complains that I sabotage his attempts at staying fit with my cookies and other treats he can’t resist.  One of his favorites is an old family recipe called butter tarts.  They are individual treats that are similar to a pecan pie.  He told me about them when we were first dating and I contacted his mother via email to get the recipe and surprise him.  She wrote back and along with the recipe, she included a short note about the weather and life.  I printed out the entire email and placed it into my recipe file.

Two years ago she died.  I miss her terribly and am grateful to have had her as my mother-in-law.  Every time I make butter tarts, I get to read her sweet email and remember how lucky I was to have her in my life.  Butter tarts are not just my husband’s favorite treat, but also a warm reminder of his sweet mother.  I hope you’ll enjoy them too!