Sweet memories live on in a family favorite treat

Tales of the Dinner Belle

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. She died in 2010. 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!

Belle’s Butter Tarts

Pie Crust (I used the pre made 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)

Unroll pie crust on the counter. Use a drinking glass or cookie cutter that is just a bit larger than the muffin tin. Cut out the circles of pie crust and place them in the muffin tins. Place approx. 1 tsp. of raisins and 1 tsp. of nuts in each tart. Whisk together the eggs, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla. Pour over raisins and nuts in each tart. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Here are some other family favorite recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next: