The mysterious 1910 Canadian dessert that might be a butter tart's long-lost cousin
Hidden within the 1910 Canadian Farm Cookbook is a culinary enigma known as Bales Pie. Featuring a creamy, citrus-infused raisin filling and a rustic meringue, this forgotten recipe from Myrtle Station, Ontario, offers a delicious window into the regional baking traditions of early 20th-century Canada.
Bales Pie is a rare relic of Canadian culinary heritage, preserved in the pages of the 1910 Canadian Farm Cookbook. The recipe, attributed to Mrs. A. Harrison of Myrtle Station, Ontario, describes a dessert that sits somewhere between a custard pie and a fruit tart. Its construction relies on a specific, textured filling: a smooth mixture of light brown sugar, sweet milk, egg yolk, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of cornstarch, all combined with one cup of chopped, cooked raisins. This creamy base is encased in an all-egg-white meringue and an all-butter crust, creating a contrast of textures that is both rustic and refined.
The identity of the pie remains a subject of historical curiosity. Even culinary historians struggle to explain the name 'Bales Pie,' and its exact lineage is unknown. Some enthusiasts speculate that it could be an early relative of the iconic Canadian butter tart, given its origins in the heart of 'buttertart country.' The recipe also highlights era-specific techniques, such as the practice of boiling raisins before use, a method used to prepare the fruit for the pie's creamy interior.
Beyond the ingredients, the existence of this recipe illustrates how classic cookbooks served as vital archives for regional farm life. By capturing the specific contributions of individuals like Mrs. Harrison, these books documented the localized flavors of Ontario and across Canada. Today, the pie serves as more than just a dessert; it is a piece of edible history that allows modern bakers to reconnect with the domestic traditions of a century ago, even as the mystery of its name persists.
Source: This Forgotten 1910 Raisin Pie Recipe Is Shockingly Delicious (What’s a “Bales Pie”?!)
