BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian pastry that, despite their name, have nothing to do with actual beavers! These hand-stretched pastries are made from whole-wheat dough that's pulled into a long, oval shape resembling a beaver's tail, then fried until golden brown and topped with various sweet toppings. The classic version is simply dusted with cinnamon and sugar, creating a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for cold Canadian winters.

This iconic Canadian treat was first introduced in 1978 by Grant and Pam Hooker in Ottawa, Ontario. What started as a family recipe served at a local fair has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, with BeaverTails stands now found at festivals, ski resorts, and tourist destinations across Canada. The treat gained international attention when President Barack Obama made a special stop to try one during his first visit to Ottawa in 2009.

Making BeaverTails involves creating a sweet yeast dough that's allowed to rise before being hand-stretched into its distinctive shape. The dough is then deep-fried until it achieves a perfect golden-brown color and crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy interior. The magic happens with the toppings - while the pastry is still hot, it's dusted with the traditional cinnamon-sugar mixture that melts slightly into the warm dough.

While the classic cinnamon-sugar version remains popular, BeaverTails have evolved to include numerous creative variations. Popular toppings include Nutella with banana slices, maple butter, apple-cinnamon, crushed Oreos with vanilla frosting, and even savory options like garlic butter and cheese. The 'Killaloe Sunrise,' topped with lemon juice and sugar, is named after the town where the Hookers first started selling their creation.

In Canada, BeaverTails are particularly popular at winter festivals and outdoor activities. They're a staple treat while skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa during Winterlude, or after a day of skiing at mountain resorts. The portable nature of the pastry makes it perfect for eating while walking around and exploring, and sharing with friends is part of the experience.

While BeaverTails are undeniably delicious, they should be considered an indulgent treat. A classic cinnamon-sugar BeaverTail typically contains around 300-400 calories, and versions with additional toppings can have significantly more. They're also deep-fried and high in carbohydrates, so they're best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. For those with dietary restrictions, it's worth noting that the traditional recipe contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, the basic version is dairy-free and nut-free (unless you choose toppings containing these ingredients).