by Madelle Morgan
No, Canadians do not cut off the tails of beavers and fry them up!
I first tasted Beaver Tail when skating with my son on the famous Rideau Canal in Canada's capital during the winter carnival. Here in Ottawa we've enjoyed (or at least some have) an extended skating season. On a sunny cold afternoon there's nothing better to warm your insides than a glove-friendly Beaver Tail pastry washed down with steaming hot chocolate.
 |
| Skaters on the Rideau Canal Photo Credit: Chrystyna Kushmelyn |
"BeaverTails® have been referred to as a Canadian culinary icon. These deliciously addictive, traditional whole-wheat pastries are stretched by hand to resemble the tail of a beaver, one of Canada's best known national symbols. The pastries are then float cooked on high quality canola oil and served piping hot, topped with butter and a choice of delectable flavours." Official BeaverTail web site.
 |
| Killaloe Sunrise BeaverTail |
This tasty pastry was a family recipe, first sold commercially in 1978 in Ottawa's farmers' market. The Hooker family BeaverTail® franchise has since spread to tourist destinations far and wide, and even high up mountains.
 |
| Ski-up Kiosk at Blue Mountain, Ontario |
The classic Killaloe Sunrise is pastry coated with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a squeeze of lemon. Over the years the number of toppings on the menu has risen along with the popularity – fruit, chocolate, nuts, etc. – and the Beaver Tail has evolved to become essentially a dessert item. See the variety of options on Pinterest.
How to Make a Beaver Tail (baked, not fried)
No beavers are harmed in the making of this recipe!
Fun Facts on the Famousness of Beaver Tails
On February 19, 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama indulged in a BeaverTails pastry during his trip to Ottawa... a visit that has been referred to as the BeaverTail Summit."
Toronto Star, December 27, 2009
"What is a BeaverTail?" was an answer on the U.S. television show, Jeopardy, hosted by Canadian-born Alex Trebek.
Another Type of Tale
I'm busily preparing to launch the print version of Diamond Hunter, my romantic suspense, and am planning promotions.
Subscribe to news of deals and more on my website to be entered to win a print copy in April!
Madelle
www.madellemorgan.comFind me on Facebook
4 comments:
Are they available all year long?
If they are like elephant ears a fry bread type goodie available where I live, they taste best fresh and hot.
Yes, Judith. BeaverTails are now available year round.
Ottawa's Rideau Canal skateway is recognized by Guinness World Records as the "world's largest naturally frozen ice rink." It is 4.8 miles (7.8 km) long.
Ottawa broke a record this year: the skateway was open continuously for 59 frigid days. People even skated when the temperature dropped below - 15 deg F.
Sounds delicious! I'm thinking a scoop of ice cream on them and yum!
It seems most cultures have a form of fry bred on the menu. Beaver Tails sound uniquely delicious.
Post a Comment