American Chinese Style Butter Tart

Ingredients

In this American Chinese adaptation of the Ecclefechan Butter Tart, we incorporate elements of American Chinese cuisine to create a fusion dessert. Traditional Ecclefechan Butter Tart is modified by adding chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and a touch of soy sauce to the filling, giving it a unique twist and a hint of savory flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Ecclefechan Butter Tart, so you can check it out.

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (total), 9g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (total), 24g (sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and soy sauce until well combined.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
6. 6.
   Pour the filling mixture into the prepared tart shell.
7. 7.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
8. 8.
   Allow the tart to cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the tart.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Chinese flavor, you can add a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder to the filling mixture.
• Serve the tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter tart, you can sprinkle some additional brown sugar on top of the filling before baking.
• Experiment with different dried fruits such as raisins or chopped apricots for a variation in flavors.
• Make sure to let the tart cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

Serving advice

Serve the American Chinese Style Butter Tart at room temperature or slightly warmed. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the tart with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish it with a few extra chopped almonds and dried cranberries for an appealing touch.