Les tartes de Simonne

Sugar pie (ready to bake)

Born in 1914, the same year Canada entered the First World War, Simonne grew up at the end of the colonization era of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. At 14, she began working as a servant for a doctor, and at the age of 20 she married the son of a farmer who later became a merchant in their village. She had her first son in 1935 and went on to become the mother of nine children. The house was always full–family, friends, employees, and trappers stopping by to stock up at her husband’s store. The tables are always abundant, and when dessert time came, Simonne’s pastries are eagerly awaited. Pies, cakes, puddings, and buns–each more tempting, sweet, and delicious than the last. These were baked in a wood-fired oven which gives them such a unique taste. Simonne has been inspiring her family’s dinner tables for generations, and today she is the inspiration behind the pie that you are about to enjoy. Born in the warm kitchens of the first French settlers who arrived in New France, the sugar pie has become over the centuries a true treasure of Quebec homes. By simply blending brown sugar with a touch of cream, our ancestors created a comforting treat, perfect for cold winters and family gatherings. Today, this traditional pie is a symbol of our delicious heritage, bringing a touch of nostalgia and sweetness to every bite.