Maple Magic Squares

Introduction to Maple Magic Squares

Maple Magic Squares are a delightful treat believed to have originated in the quaint kitchens of Quebec. With their rich, buttery crust and sweet maple-flavored filling, these squares have been a cornerstone of Canadian baking, exemplifying the perfect blend of tradition and flavor. The use of maple syrup, a quintessentially Canadian ingredient derived from the sap of sugar maple trees, gives these confectionery squares their signature taste. Historically, the indigenous peoples of Canada were the first to harvest maple sap, which later influenced settlers and eventually became a staple in Canadian culinary culture.

Ingredients

• Butter - 1 cup, unsalted and softened
• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Maple syrup - 1 and 1/2 cups, preferably pure
• Eggs - 3 large
• Sweetened condensed milk - 1 14-ounce can
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - A pinch

Preparation

1. Prepare the Crust

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until the dough comes together. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form the crust.

2. Bake the Crust

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish with the crust into the oven and bake it for approximately 15 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that the base has a firm foundation to hold the maple syrup filling. Link your cooking timer to ensure precise baking time.

Making the Maple Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, and sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.

2. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then mix thoroughly.

Final Assembly and Baking

1. Pour the maple filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire base.

2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and begins to slightly caramelize at the edges.

   Once again, set your cooking timer to achieve perfect consistency.

Enjoying Your Maple Magic Squares

Once baked, let your Maple Magic Squares cool completely before slicing. These squares are best enjoyed with a hot beverage such as tea or coffee, complementing their sweet, rich flavor with subtle bitterness. Alternatively, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, although, given their irresistible taste, they rarely remain uneaten for long.