Canadian Butter Tarts

This is a recipe for these yummy Canadian treats that I found in BBC Good Food Magazine.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 18-20

Ingredients

• 13  ounces  shortcrust pastry, ready rolled
• 2  large eggs
• 6  ounces brown sugar
• 3 1⁄2 ounces raisins
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 ounces butter, room temperature
• 4  tablespoons  light cream
• 1 1⁄2 ounces walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven 375.
2. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface so it's slightly thinner than straight from the pack.
3. Then cut out 18-20 rounds with a 3 inch fluted cutter, re-rolling the trimmings.
4. Use the rounds to line two deep 12-hole tart tins (not muffin tins). If you only have a regular-sized, 12-hole tart tin you will be able to make a few more slightly shallower tarts.
5. Beat the eggs in a large bowl and combine with the rest of the ingredients except the walnuts.
6. Tip this mixture into a pan and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the butter melts, and the mixture bubbles and starts to thicken. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Don't overcook, and be sure to stir all the time as the mixture can easily burn.
7. Remove from the heat and stir in the nuts.
8. Spoon the filling into the unbaked tart shells so it's level with the pastry.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until set and pale golden.
10. Leave in the tin to cool for a few minutes before lifting out on to a wire rack.
11. Serve warm or cold.