Classic Butter Tarts

Ingredients and Weight:

• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks)
• Sugar: 1 cup
• Egg yolks: 3
• Syrup or honey: 2 tablespoons (optional)
• Dark corn syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Golden syrup or mapualo sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Flour: 1 cup + extra for dusting
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Mixed nuts (optional): 1/2 cup (can use almonds, walnuts, etc.)
• Puff pastry or pie crust: 8 individual portions

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the syrups and vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the flour slowly until a thick dough is formed. If using nuts, add them at this stage.
6. Take small portions of the dough and roll into small balls or shape into desired tart shape over puff pastry or pie crust.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 depending on the ingredients used and their quantities.
• Fat: High due to butter content.
• Carbohydrates: From sugar and flour.
• Protein: From eggs and optional nuts.

Dish Characteristics:

• A classic American dessert, often associated with autumn and holidays.
• Rich, sweet, and buttery with a caramelized flavor from the corn syrup and optional honey or golden syrup.
• Can be served warm or cold, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

User Comments:

1. "This is exactly how I remember my mom making it! So delicious!" - John Doe
2. "A true classic! Love the rich buttery flavor." - Jane Smith
3. "A great dessert for any special occasion!" - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix the dough to ensure a smooth texture.
• Do not overcook as it may become dry and hard. Check often during baking.
• Adjust the sweetness according to preference by adding or reducing sugar quantity.