Pecan Tea Tassies

Small, sweet and nutty tarts!

Like many people, I enjoy pecan pie, in fact, it was my mom's favorite. But, also, like many people, it's rich and a sliver will do. But, these mini pecan pies, are little gems that you can pop right into your mouth! They're not as sweet as the full pie, but are so tasty and filled with chopped pecans tucked into a tender cream cheese crust. 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350'F. Lightly coat mini-muffin tins with cooking spray.

Dough:

1 cup butter or margarine

8 oz. cream cheese

2 cups flour

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth; add flour gradually, cover and chill 1 hour in refrigerator

Filling:

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 eggs, well beaten

2 cups brown sugar

Beat together...then

Fold in 2 cups chopped pecans

Remove dough from refrigerator and form into 1" round balls.  Place balls in greased tin (mini-muffin pans) and gently press into the bottom and up the sides of the mini cupcake openings.  

Fill each cup with the pecan mixture 3/4 full. 

Bake at 350'F. for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden and filling is puffed up.

Cool in pans for 2 minutes then remove onto a wire rack.

Yields: 4 dozen tarts

A Tip from Grammy:

-Divide in half for a smaller gathering

-They freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months

-Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS!

Fudge Sweethearts:

Make half of the cream cheese dough as for the Pecan Tea Tassies and follow the instructions through placing dough balls into the mini-muffin tins.

Fudge Filling:

1 cup or 6 oz. pkg. of semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup sugar                                              

1 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg, beaten

Melt morsels in top of double boiler. Stir in remaining ingredients until blended.

(Add  1/2 cup chopped pecans, if desired)

Place a scant Tbsp. of filling in each pastry, top with pecan half. 

Bake at 350'F. for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden and filling is puffed up.

Remove  from oven and cool; when cooled, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Yields: 2 dozen

Fudgy goodness all through!

Be encouraged!

"God is my strong fortress, He makes my way perfect."  2 Samuel 22:33