By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Butter tarts are serious business. The gooier the filling, the stronger the opinions; and at the 7th annual Georgina Tarts 4 Hearts Festival, everyone had a favourite.
Visitors Chantal, Lisa and Leslie had their preferences sorted out. Chantal favoured plain tarts, while Lisa was firmly on the side of pecan. Leslie preferred maple-pecan.
The trio, who came from Aurora, Newmarket and Bradford, has attended the festival for three years. They said: “We found plenty to take home beyond tarts, including a painting, hand cream, and other things from local vendors.”
That is part of the festival’s appeal: alongside the bakers, vendors offer handmade goods, while draws feature prizes donated by businesses.
For AnnMarie Crippin and Debbie Hill of The Maids’ Cottage, the secret to a winning butter tart is no mystery at all. “The secret ingredient in our tarts is the care that we put into them; also, there has to be the right balance between pastry and filling,” they explained.
They had a double win: first place in the traditional butter tart category and third place in the wild tart category. Their recipe comes from a great-grandmother, proof that some family traditions are best passed down with a rolling pin.
Michelle Small was judging for the first time. “I’m very honoured to be invited,” she said. “I had to try 18 tarts! My perfect score was for the raspberry white chocolate tart. The choice between very good and the very best is difficult despite the guidelines.”
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation, which provides a safe haven for a diverse group of special needs children, youth and adults. Director Karin Cacciola started the festival to support the foundation.
“It highlights the importance of providing quality programs. Some participants have been with Peaceful Hearts for 5 or 6 years, allowing staff to watch them grow and thrive.”
She adds, “Also this event is special because it makes people happy! There’s excitement and a bit of silliness, which is so important for mental health.”
Cacciola credits the festival’s success to the combined efforts of sponsors, bakers, vendors, artists and visitors. “When you put everything together, it’s like a fine butter tart.”
So, when you visit next year, remember: the calories don’t count when it’s for charity!
Winners: TRADITIONAL category: 1st the Maid’s Cottage; 2nd Doo Doo’s Bakery, 3rd Grandma’s Beach Treats. WILD category: 1st the Kings Daughter, 2nd Bruno’s Bakery, 3rd the Maid’s Cottage.
Website: https://peacefulhearts.ca
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