In 2011, the sweet idea of organizing a culinary tour to celebrate a local and Canadian classic, the butter tart, became a reality with just a few stops and has now grown to over 50 locations across the Kawarthas and Northumberland County.
“You can taste your way across Northumberland County, Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, and Kawartha Lakes,” said Brenda Wood – Executive Director for Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism (RTo8). “Our tour partners include our stellar local bakeries, charming cafes, and elegant restaurants as well as welcoming resorts and inns across the region each serving up their take on this Canadian classic treat.”
Wood explained a bit about the tour.
The butter tart, at its most basic, is simply butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs. The magic happens when these simple ingredients are combined and baked in a pastry shell until golden brown and the filling is semi-solid – or really runny depending on your tastes and baking style.
This simple combination is what was featured in the first known printed recipe from the early 1900s. Found in the Royal Victoria Cookbook by The Women’s Auxiliary to the Royal Victoria Hospital located in Barrie, ON, this simple tart has become a staple of the Canadian cuisine landscape.
Wood said Northumberland has plenty of culinary delights.
Do you like your butter tarts with raisins, pecans, walnuts, currants or even more adventurous additions such as chocolate, maple, fruits or crème fillings? Do you like your pastry crust can be flaky, or firm, like a shortbread, so that it has crunch? Can’t decide, why not try a little trip to try a few varieties.
You can find Butter Tart Tour locations in most of the Kawarthas Northumberland’s towns with many great stops located within minutes of each other. For more information buttertarttour.ca.
