Maple Walnut Tarts

Chef mariajane's Note:

These are so tasty!! They are very easy to make, and very easy to eat!!

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

FLAKY PASTRY

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter or 1/2 cup hard margarine, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water (approx.)

WALNUT FILLING

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. TO MAKE PASTRY:.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter or margarine and shortening until mixture is crumbly. Add water, 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing with a fork. Add a little more water if necessary. Press mixture into 2 flat discs. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. On lightly floured board, roll pastry discs to 1/16 inch. Cut into 5-inch circles. Roll scraps of dough and cut again. Line twelve 3 1/2-inch tart pans with pastry.
4. TO MAKE FILLING:.
5. Divide Walnuts equally between tart shells.
6. Beat together eggs, syrup, brown sugar, melted butter or margarine and vanilla until just blended. Pour maple syrup mixture over walnuts.
7. Bake in 425F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until pastry is golden and filling is soft set.
8. Let stand 15 minutes before removing from tart pans.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with lightly sweetened cream.