Pecan Tassies- Southern USA(New Orleans)-#just because

Pecan Tassies- Southern USA (New Orleans) #just because

I made these for a dinner party I attended. I wanted to bring something other than a cake but also something I had not made before, which is very daring. However, I had a bottle of wine in case the tassies were a flop.
The word tassies originated from the French word "tasse", meaning small cup. These little tarts taste like little pecan pies. The pastry is tender and buttery with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar filling.

Dough:

1/2 c. pecans
1 c. unsalted butter
6 oz. cream cheese, or 1/2 c. marscapone cheese
2 c. all-purpose flour
pinch of salt

Filling:

1-1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 c. chopped pecans (plus more for sprinkling on top)
2 eggs
2 T. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven 350F.  Use mini muffin pans.
2. Finely ground 1/2 c. pecans
3. Beat butter and cream cheese in a mixer with paddle attachment. Beat until well blended.
4. Add flour, pecans, salt. Mix until dough comes together.
5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and press into bottom and sides of muffin tins.
6. Make the filling: Mix together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, eggs, , melted butter and vanilla extract with a spoon.
7. Spoon evenly divided into pecan muffin cups. Top each with additional nuts.
8. Bake 15-20 mins. or until golden.
9. Remove and cool completely.  

Results:These are so easy to make. There was nothing challenging about them. They were buttery and delicious. Can't beat that.
Bottom Line:This is definitely a keeper! They are perfect for any occasion. They are one bite full and no mess.

Please share with pecan pie lovers all over the world and those who just want a tiny dessert.  Thanks.