Recipe Card
Mom's Old Fashioned Butter Tarts: A Beloved Canadian Classic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea: This is the star of the recipe, providing depth and aroma.)
- 1 cupwater: Used to brew the tea (essential for unlocking the flavors.)
- 1/2 cupmilk: Any type will work—dairy (almond, oat, etc. It adds creaminess to the drink.)
- 4-5fresh cherries: Pitted and halved. They bring sweetness and a fruity tang to balance the tea.
- 1-2 tspvanilla syrup: This enhances sweetness and adds a rich layer of flavor.
- 1cinnamon stick (optional: Offers a warm spice note if desired.)
- —Ice (optional for iced version: To cool down the drink for a refreshing option.)
Instructions
- 1
In a small saucepan, add 4-5 fresh cherries (pitted and halved) and about 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Gently mash the cherries to help extract more flavor.
- 2
While the cherries are simmering, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Steep the Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf tea) in the hot water for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves.
- 3
Pour the 1/2 cup of milk into the saucepan with the softened cherries and heat gently, stirring occasionally until the milk is warmed through. Add the optional 1 cinnamon stick to the milk mixture if you prefer a hint of spice.
- 4
Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk and cherry mixture. You can adjust the sweetness to taste.
- 5
Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug, then strain the warm milk and cherry mixture into the same mug, pressing on the cherries to release all the juice. Stir well to combine.
- 6
If you prefer your tea iced, allow the mixture to cool slightly and pour it over ice in a glass. For a hot version, serve immediately.
- 7
For an extra touch, garnish with a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.