Walnut-Coconut Butter Tarts

 
Butter Tarts, with their flaky and tender, melt-in-your mouth pastry shells are one of my family’s  favourites and with Christmas approaching I wanted to made sure I will have plenty on hand to be enjoyed over the holidays.

They do take a bit of time and effort but the end result makes it all worth it and plus, your family will love you for it :-)
 
 

This yummy treats would make a great gift to give to a neighbour or anyone that  appreciates home baked goods, and really, who doesn't ?

I hope you will appreciate this recipe and enjoy it as much as we do.
 
Ingredients:
Tart shells
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup cold water
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
 
Filling:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon rind
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
a few dried apricots, chopped, for topping, optional 
 


My baking sheet filled with the butter tarts ready for baking.

Directions:
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (the size of small peas).

Stir together water and vinegar; sprinkle over flour and toss with a fork until all dry ingredients are moistened and mixture forms a ball.

Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round 2-1/2 inch cutter, cut out circles and press onto the bottom and up the sides of aluminum tart cups. Gather the remaining pastry into a ball, roll out and cut out into more circles. (Dough should yield about 2-1/2 dozens of tart shells).



For the filling, in a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon rind and milk.

Stir in raisins, walnuts and coconut.

Spoon into the pastry lined tart cups.

Bake at 350° F for 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown. 

Makes: 2-1/2 dozens

TIP: If you are short of time or not really sure how to make them, you can buy ready made  tart shells. (They can be found in the freezer section  of your local grocery store).

Happy Baking! 
 
Leia’s Culinary Treasures